The Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy & Development (FENRAD) an.Environmental Advocacy Organization strongly condemns the alleged illegal granite mining activities in Imobi Autonomous Community, Uturu, Isuikwuato Local Government Area of Abia State, and fully supports the peaceful protest staged by women of the community demanding urgent government intervention.
FENRAD expresses grave concern over reports that granite quarrying activities are being initiated without due process, community-wide consent, a valid Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), or a Community Development Agreement (CDA), as required under Nigerian environmental and mining laws.
Allegations of Illegal Consent and Community Exclusion
According to information available to FENRAD, a small group of individuals allegedly signed consent documents and registered a mining company without the knowledge, consent, or approval of the broader Imobi Autonomous Community, which comprises Amaedi, Amanyanwu, and Onuzo villages.
Placards displayed during the protest carried clear messages such as:
✅The consent letter was signed by improper persons and should be forfeited
✅No community development agreement, no quarry operations”
✅Lime I International Nigeria Ltd is not known to our community
These grievances raise serious questions about transparency, legitimacy, and compliance with extant laws governing extractive activities in Nigeria.
Environmental and Public Health Risks
FENRAD warns that granite quarrying, if conducted without strict environmental safeguards, poses severe and irreversible environmental and health risks, including:
Land degradation and loss of fertile farmlands
Pollution of surface and groundwater sources
Air pollution from dust particles (PM2.5 and PM10) leading to respiratory illnesses
Noise and vibration impacts that may damage buildings and cause psychological stress
Destruction of biodiversity and natural vegetation
Public safety hazards, including blasting accidents and abandoned quarry pits
Rural communities like Imobi, which depend heavily on agriculture and natural water sources, are particularly vulnerable to these impacts.
Violation of Environmental and Mining Laws
FENRAD emphasizes that under the Environmental Impact Assessment Act (Cap E12 LFN 2004) and other relevant regulations:
No quarrying activity should commence without a comprehensive EIA
Host communities must be fully consulted and involved
A Community Development Agreement is mandatory
Environmental protection and land reclamation plans must be in place
Any operation carried out in violation of these provisions is illegal and subject to revocation.
Position of Traditional Authority
FENRAD also notes with concern the disclosure by the traditional ruler of Imobi Autonomous Community, HRH Eze Simeon Chimezie Chukwuemeka (Imobi IV), through the community’s Secretary General, that the alleged consent was obtained without the knowledge or approval of the traditional institution or the community at large.
This development further underscores the need for immediate government scrutiny and intervention.
FENRAD’s Demands
In line with its mandate to promote environmental justice, community rights, and sustainable development,
FENRAD hereby calls on:
Governor Alex Otti and the Abia State Government to immediately halt all quarrying-related activities in Imobi Community pending full investigation.
The Abia State Ministry of Environment and relevant regulatory agencies to verify the legality of all permits, consent letters, and company registrations associated with the proposed quarry.
Enforcement of a transparent, inclusive, and community-wide consultation process.
Conduct of an independent and credible Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
Protection of Imobi people from environmental degradation, livelihood loss, and social conflict
.
Conclusion
FENRAD commends the women of Imobi Autonomous Community for their peaceful, lawful, and courageous advocacy in defense of their environment, health, and future generations. Their action reflects a broader national concern over extractive activities that prioritize profit over people and the environment.
The Foundation reiterates that development must not come at the expense of environmental sustainability, community rights, and the rule of law.
FENRAD remains committed to monitoring the situation and providing legal, advocacy, and technical support to ensure that environmental justice prevails in Imobi and across Abia State.
Signed:
Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor
Executive Director
Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy & Development (FENRAD
📍 Umuahia, Abia State
Tel; 08033383708, 07062949232
Email info@fenrad.org.ng
www.fenrad org.ng
