Abandoned coal mines in Enugu State, particularly in communities like Nsude, Nachi, and Umulumgbe in Udi Local Government Area, have become a looming ecological disaster. Frequent collapses threaten lives, farmlands, and economic trees, yet authorities have made limited efforts to address the crisis.
A Legacy of Neglect
Coal mining in Enugu State began in the 1920s, flourishing after the first discovery of coal in 1909. The Nigerian Coal Corporation (NCC) monopolised operations from 1950 but began to decline after oil was discovered in the 1950s. Subsequent attempts to revitalise the sector after the Nigerian Civil War failed, leaving many sites abandoned. By 1999, the NCC’s monopoly was dismantled, but privatisation efforts were mismanaged, exacerbating environmental hazards.
Nsude: The Epicentre of Devastation
According to an Investigation by WITHIN Nigeria Nsude has suffered significant losses, with collapsed farmlands destroying crops and plantations vital to the community’s economy. Chief Anthony Ude, leader of the Umuaka Community, highlighted the scale of the destruction: “Every rainy season, landslides worsen, swallowing cashew and palm plantations worth billions of naira.”
Farmers like Kenneth Eze have endured financial ruin. “Last year, I lost N5 million worth of corn when my farm caved in. I’ve received no relief from the government,” he lamented. Additionally, fear of further collapses has stymied residential development, with locals worried entire communities might be swallowed.
Government Response Falls Short
In 2023, the Enugu State Government sealed illegal mining sites, including operations by Milhouse Energy Services Ltd. The company was fined N1 billion for environmental remediation and agreed to pay N100,000 tax per truckload of coal. Despite these actions, critics argue that remediation efforts remain inadequate.
Professor Chinedu Nebo, Chairman of the Agbaja Leaders of Thought, warned of the dangers posed by abandoned mines, some of which exceed 500 metres in depth. “Without proper decommissioning, entire communities are at risk of catastrophic collapses,” he stated.
Calls for Immediate Action
In August 2024, environmental advocates, retired miners, and local groups convened a town hall meeting to push for urgent action. Organised by the Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI), participants emphasised the need for a just energy transition. RDI’s Executive Director, Philip Jakpor, called for greater transparency and accountability: “The Federal Government must conduct a comprehensive environmental audit to ensure the safety of these communities.”
Key recommendations included:
- Decommissioning all abandoned mines to prevent further collapses.
- Compensating affected families and former miners.
- Publishing Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) for mining activities.
- Exploring renewable energy sources to reduce coal dependence.
- Establishing community monitoring networks to ensure sustainable mining practices.
A Path Forward
While the Enugu State Government has taken initial steps to regulate mining, much remains to be done. Comprehensive measures to close unsafe mines, compensate affected families, and promote sustainable practices are critical to preventing further disaster. Without decisive action, communities like Nsude face an uncertain and perilous future.