The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has mandated the immediate cessation of operations at Dai Jin Jia Quarry located in ACO Village, Abuja, in light of the unfortunate death of a 10-year-old boy during a blasting operation.
The tragic event transpired on Friday, February 27, 2026, prompting an urgent response from the environmental authority after notices of the incident were brought to their attention.
During a press meeting, Mr. Elijah Udofia, the Director of Environmental Quality Control, who spoke on behalf of NESREA's Director-General, Prof. Innocent Barikor, characterized the occurrence as extremely concerning and intolerable.
Udofia revealed that the quarry had previously faced closure by the agency due to non-compliance with regulations but had allegedly restarted its activities despite enforcement actions.
In a statement released on Tuesday by NESREA's spokesperson, Nwamaka Ejiofor, initial observations from a collaborative inspection by agency officials and the ACO Division of the Nigeria Police highlighted substantial violations of environmental laws.
According to Udofia, the quarry failed to provide a documented Blasting Operation Plan, nor did it supply records regarding the Charge Load Density (CLD), detailing the explosives utilized during blasting operations.
These lapses were found to violate Regulation 23 of the National Environmental (Quarrying and Blasting Operations) Regulations, 2013.
Moreover, further examinations indicated that the quarry's warning alarm, intended to alert residents before blasting activities, was malfunctioning. Udofia mentioned that the lack of a functional siren created alarming safety concerns for local communities near the location.
He assured that investigations are ongoing and cautioned that any individuals or entities found responsible would face appropriate legal repercussions.
“Adherence to environmental standards is essential,” Udofia stressed, calling on those in the quarrying industry to comply with safety and regulatory provisions.
In addition, NESREA reaffirmed its dedication to protecting human life, maintaining environmental safety, and ensuring that industrial operations do not jeopardize surrounding populations.
Residents of ACO Village have expressed their sorrow over the tragedy and have petitioned for stricter oversight of quarry activities in residential vicinities.
The agency emphasized that it will sustain enforcement actions across the country to avert similar incidents and uphold environmental safety regulations.
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