The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has ordered the immediate closure of Dai Jin Jia Quarry along Airport Road, following the death of a 10-year-old boy during a blasting operation on Friday, February 27, 2026.
The tragic incident prompted rapid intervention from the environmental regulator, which had previously sealed the quarry over regulatory violations.
Agency officials alleged that the company had resumed operations despite prior enforcement actions.
Speaking to journalists, Mr. Elijah Udofia, Director of Environmental Quality Control representing NESREA Director-General Professor Innocent Barikor, described the death as alarming and preventable.
Preliminary findings from a joint inspection with the ACO Division of the Nigeria Police Force revealed several violations of environmental regulations:
Absence of a documented Blasting Operation Plan.
Failure to provide Charge Load Density (CLD) records for explosives used.
Malfunctioning warning alarm system meant to alert nearby residents before blasting.
Udofia stated that these omissions contravened Regulation 23 of the National Environmental (Quarrying and Blasting Operations) Regulations, 2013, posing serious safety risks to surrounding communities.
The agency assured the public that investigations are ongoing and warned that any responsible parties would face sanctions under the law.
Udofia emphasised that compliance with environmental standards is mandatory and urged quarry operators to strictly adhere to safety requirements.
NESREA reiterated its commitment to protecting lives, ensuring environmental integrity, and enforcing safety standards nationwide.
Residents of ACO Village expressed grief and called for stricter monitoring of quarries near residential areas.
Enforcement measures are expected to continue across the country to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
