The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has sealed Dai Jin Jia Quarry in Aco Village, Airport Road, Abuja, due to significant environmental violations.
Speaking with newsmen on Monday after the exercise, the Director-General of NESREA, Prof. Innocent Barikor — represented by Elijah Udofia, Director of Environmental Quality Control — said the measures reinforce the agency’s commitment to environmental safety and community protection.
Barikor said a blasting operation on Feb. 25 resulted in the unfortunate loss of one life.
He stated that the quarry was sealed in response to the grievous consequences of its operations.
“This action was taken in accordance with our agency’s commitment to uphold the highest environmental standards and ensure the safety of communities affected by such operations.
“It is distressing to see that, in spite of prior warnings and sealings, the facility continued operations that not only violate National Environmental Regulations but also put lives at risk.
“In the face of this incident, we have taken immediate measures to reinforce our commitment to environmental safety and community protection,” he said.
Barikor recalled that the facility was previously sealed in 2025 due to significant environmental violations.
“The quarry has been sealed again, this time in response to the grievous consequences of its operations,” he said.
He explained that a preliminary investigation by officers of the Nigeria Police, Aco Division, on Friday revealed that the quarry lacked a documented Blasting Operation Plan, in violation of Regulation 17 of the National Environmental (Quarrying and Blasting Operations) Regulations 2013.
Barikor said the quarry could not produce documented Charge Load Density (CLD) (quantity of explosives) used for the blasting operation, violating Regulation 23 of the same regulations.
He noted that the quarry’s Warning Alarm System (siren) was faulty, as stated by the facility’s blaster during the investigation, in violation of Regulation 23, Section 6.
Barikor assured the public that all responsible parties would be held accountable.
“This incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of adherence to environmental regulations. We must prioritize not only compliance with laws but also the safety and well-being of our citizens.
“We urge all operators in the quarry sector and beyond to adhere strictly to the environmental standards set by NESREA.
“The safety of the environment and our communities cannot be compromised.
“We will continue to monitor compliance and take necessary actions against violators to ensure such tragedies do not recur,” he said.
