Residents in mining communities across Nigeria have raised alarm over the health and environmental risks posed by unregulated mining Activities. The activities, particularly from stone quarrying, have disrupted lives, degraded the environment, and exposed locals to significant health hazards.
In Mpape, a peri-urban settlement on the outskirts of Abuja, residents like Gabriel Oko endure incessant noise and dust from nearby quarries. Oko, whose home is caked in dust, described the situation as overwhelming. “The noise from machinery and blasting disrupts our sleep and daily routine. What started as a nuisance is now a substantial quality-of-life issue,” he said.
Stone quarrying generates substantial dust, posing severe respiratory risks, including asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Dust also settles on crops, affecting agriculture, while contaminated water sources expose residents to waterborne diseases.
Ibrahim Musa, a 26-year-old miner from Nasarawa State, highlighted the economic struggles behind the issue. “We know mining harms the environment, but it’s our only livelihood,” he said, calling for sustainable practices and alternative economic opportunities for miners.
The impact extends beyond health. Noise and vibrations from quarries disrupt businesses and social activities, while families displaced by mining operations face challenges accessing education, healthcare, and other essentials.
Environmental experts, including Joyce Ayuba from Plateau State Polytechnic, stress the need for government action. She called for thorough environmental and social impact assessments, stricter regulations, and the implementation of sustainable practices in the mining sector.
Dr Mary Ogbe, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, emphasised the link between environmental quality and human wellness, advocating for cleaner technologies, stricter emissions regulations, and public awareness campaigns.
Meanwhile, Prof Akinade Olatunji, President of the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS), called for collaboration among stakeholders to develop strategies prioritising community well-being and sustainability. “Stricter regulations and sustainable practices can safeguard public health while supporting economic opportunities,” he noted.
Abandoned mining ponds remain a significant concern, according to Mr Anjack Augustine of Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi. He highlighted the risks posed by toxic runoff from these ponds, which contaminate soil and water sources, causing long-term health and environmental damage.
“Heavy metals like lead and arsenic in contaminated water and soil pose severe risks, including neurological disorders and cancer,” Augustine explained. He urged authorities to prioritise remediation efforts, restore contaminated areas, and enable safe farming practices for affected communities.
As mining activities proliferate, stakeholders stress the need for urgent reforms to balance economic development with environmental and public health protection.
