The Federal Controller of the Ministry of Environment in Imo State, Engr. Ubor Ubo, has issued a stern warning to miners operating across the state to immediately halt operations in compliance with the Federal Government’s directive banning mining activities within a 10-kilometre radius of bridges, roads and critical infrastructure nationwide.
Engr. Ubo said the directive is in line with Section 119 of the Mining Act and the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Act 2024 (Cap 12), which make it mandatory for miners to conduct an approved Environmental Impact Assessment and obtain certification from the Ministry of Environment before commencing any mining or evacuation activities.
He stressed that defaulters face sanctions, including fines, penalties and forfeiture of equipment, adding that enforcement would be total and uncompromising.
The Federal Controller expressed concern over the escalating environmental hazards and severe erosion caused by unregulated mining activities in Imo State, announcing an immediate shutdown beginning with mining sites in Umudoche, Umuoma, Nekede, and extending to other locations across the state.
According to him, strict enforcement by the Ministry of Environment and its affiliated agencies is necessary to support the Shared Prosperity Administration of Governor Hope Uzodimma, CON, in curbing environmental degradation and preventing looming ecological disasters linked to illegal mining.
Engr. Ubo spoke during an assessment and inspection tour of Otamiri Umudoche in Nekede, Owerri West Local Government Area, where he directed sand miners in the area to present valid mining licences and approved EIA certificates within seven days of the notice.
He was accompanied on the inspection by the Umudoche Umuoma Nekede Council of Elders, community leaders and other stakeholders, who drew attention to the extensive damage to the ecosystem and community caused by illegal mining.
While touring mining locations from the Mmiri Nkwoahia axis to Ama Mmiri Umudoche, Engr. Ubo condemned sand mining within stream channels, warning that a culvert at Umuezerokam Nekede, linking the Umuoma, Umudibia and the ancient Nekede kingdom, is at high risk of collapse due to erosion pressure.
He advised that urgent remedial construction works be undertaken to prevent failure of the culvert, noting that dredging and mining activities had already contributed to erosion, the collapse of buildings and damage to property within the area.
The Federal Controller further disclosed that all miners operating in Umudoche, Umuoma Nekede and adjoining communities are currently illegal, as licences previously granted have been withdrawn by the Federal Government pending further review.
He warned that mining must stop immediately or operators would face the full weight of the law, adding that some licences had been revoked due to observed irregularities and unethical practices in mining operations.
“Letters will be issued to all miners to shut down their sites and report to the Ministry of Environment for documentation, verification and compliance, especially on impact assessment approvals,” Engr. Ubo said. “The damage to the environment is extensive, and we will not stand by and watch the ecosystem collapse.”
He added that properties affected by erosion resulting from mining activities would be identified and documented for necessary claims and remediation.
The Umudoche Nekede community commended the Federal Ministry of Environment for the inspection visit and called for a total shutdown of mining activities pending clear resolutions, regulations and safeguards.
Community elders cited severe erosion, damage to houses, weakened building foundations, deteriorated roads, collapse of pedestrian bridges, pollution and illegal upland mining as reasons for demanding immediate closure of the sites.
They urged the Ministry to act swiftly by sealing illegal mining sites and pursuing legal action to ease tensions and dispel allegations of collusion between miners and some officials.
Engr. Ubo reiterated that the seven-day ultimatum is a grace period for accreditation, verification of mining licences and EIA compliance, warning that failure to comply would result in total shutdown across Umudoche, Nekede and other affected parts of Imo State.
