The Anambra State House of Assembly has raised urgent concerns over rampant illegal mining in Aguleri, Anambra East Local Government Area, following a fact‐finding mission to two major sand extraction sites. The visit, led by Honourable Chidiebele Ibemeka, Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum and Mineral Resources, revealed unregulated operations accelerating coastal erosion, undermining road infrastructure, and exposing host communities to environmental and safety hazards.
Lawmakers discovered that many operators lacked valid permits and credible environmental impact assessments, and had failed to fulfill corporate social responsibility obligations despite extensive resource removal. Disturbing accounts also emerged of individuals impersonating military and security personnel to intimidate and harass local residents.
“This level of lawlessness is unacceptable. Operators without valid permits or credible environmental impact assessments are degrading the land and endangering lives. The House will not tolerate it,” stated Honourable Ibemeka, promising to summon errant operators for questioning and to collaborate with executive and regulatory agencies to restore order.
Majority Leader Sir Ikenna Ofodeme condemned the exploitative practices, emphasizing that communities must not bear the cost of unregulated mining. He pledged to reinforce legislative oversight to ensure all mining activities comply with legal, environmental, and social standards.
The Assembly has vowed to pursue swift legislative measures to halt further environmental damage and safeguard the rights and safety of Aguleri’s residents and other affected communities across Anambra State.
