Women from rural communities in Cross River State have raised urgent concerns about the health risks and community devastation caused by large-scale mining firms and agricultural plantations. Many of these companies operate in Akamkpa Local Government Area, where their activities have significantly disrupted local lives and environments.
At an event in Calabar organised by the civil society organisation We The People to mark Human Rights Day and the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, the women detailed their struggles. They highlighted issues such as health hazards from mining dust, water pollution, job discrimination, and land disputes.
Health and Environmental Impacts
The women reported that mining dust from quarry activities covers their homes, farmlands, and streams, particularly during the harmattan season. Josephine Ntui, a community member, lamented the absence of boreholes, forcing residents to drink from polluted streams. She demanded that mining companies provide boreholes and establish healthcare facilities to treat illnesses caused by their operations.
Employment Discrimination
Women also decried the limited and discriminatory job opportunities provided by the mining firms. According to Rose Bassey, the companies employ women mainly as cleaners, cooks, or tea servers, arguing that extractive jobs are “too risky” for women. She called out this bias, noting that women successfully work as engineers, drillers, and pilots in other states and industries.
Land Grabbing Accusations
In Mbarakom, another Akamkpa community, residents accused Wilmar Palm Plantation of extensive land grabbing. They alleged that the company compromised local landowners and expanded its plantations to neighbouring states and Cameroon. Wilmar’s representative, Mr. Antigha, denied these claims, insisting that their expansion followed legal agreements with host communities and included corporate social responsibility initiatives.
Advocacy for Justice
Ken Henshaw, Executive Director of We The People, emphasised the need for authorities to address the inequities and injustices faced by women in these affected areas. He urged the government to take decisive action to ensure the rights and welfare of local communities are protected.
This event, themed Women as Agents of Change: Addressing GBV and Environmental Justice in Cross River, underscores the growing call for sustainable and equitable resource management practices in Nigeria’s rural areas.
