Officials of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) have shut down a quarry site, Cornerstone, managed by Istanbul Quarry in Dutse area of Abuja  after flying rocks from a blasting operation injured staff and students of nearby Graceland High School, and damaged the school properties as well.

Similarly, the Agency in collaboration with the Ogun State Ministry of Environment also sealed off recycling facilities in Ogijo community in Ogun State over the failure of the operators to comply with the provisions of the National Environmental (Battery Control) Regulations 2024 and the Protocol developed by NESREA to ensure environmentally sound management of used lead acid batteries and safeguard the health of residents and the environment.

A statement issued by Nwamaka Ejiofor, Assistant Director Press of the agency noted that the Abuja Quarry was shut down because their activities endangered the lives of students and citizens in the area.

“Investigations by NESREA showed that the students were in their various classes writing exams when they heard a bang at about 12.30 pm, followed by flying rocks which destroyed the school buildings, with 11 students and 2 staff of the school sustaining various degrees of injury. Nearby shops were also affected by the flying rocks” the statement noted.

According to her, the operation to seal the facility was led by the Deputy Director, Conservation Monitoring ,  Ms Glory Uboh Jimoh noting that their operations were contrary to the provisions of the National Environmental (Quarrying and Blasting Operations) Regulations 2013.

“What happened is life threatening, that was why we had to move in immediately to seal the facility. Cornerstone, managed by Istanbul Quarry, which carried out the blasting operation will be sanctioned because our preliminary investigation shows contradiction to Quarry operating procedure and regulations. We will continue with our investigations and the facility will definitely be sanctioned in line with the National Environmental (Quarry and Blasting Operations) Regulations 2013” she said.

In the case of the recycling facilities sealed in Ogijo, Ogun state, the NESREA spokesperson said under the relevant protocols, the facilities committed to manage ULAB slag and base metal residue in a safe, environmentally sound and socially responsible manner, and also prioritize staff health and safety including an annual blood lead testing and provision of Personal Protective Equipment.

“The recyclers, as duty to the host community and environmental responsibility are to conduct annual environmental impact audits on surrounding communities, transition to cleaner recycling technologies and participate in pilot projects for slag reuse for bricks and cement raw materials.

“NESREA in collaboration with Ogun State government and other partners under the Project for Responsible Battery and Metal Recycling (PROBAMET)had carried out extensive assessment and sensitization of the operators in the sector on international best practices in the recycling sector” she said.