Illegal mining triggers environmental concerns as Anambra launches probe

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Illegal mining activities along the Trans Nkisi and Trans Ekesi corridors in Onitsha, in the Onitsha North Local Government Area of Anambra State, have triggered environmental concerns, with the state government probing the perpetrators.

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The mining activities have reportedly caused land degradation, erosion threats, and possible violations of environmental regulations in the area which covers major residential and river layout zones like the Trans Nkisi Layout (Phases I, II, and III).

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The Commissioner for Environment, Dr Clem Aguiyi, who raised the environmental concerns during an inspection tour of the mining site on Tuesday, described the level of environmental degradation as disturbing and unacceptable.

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Aguiyi said the state government is embarking on the investigation to determine whether the mining activities were approved by the appropriate authorities and whether the operators complied with environmental laws and land reclamation requirements.

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He said, “However, preliminary findings have indicated that the excavation is taking place on private land under the supervision of an individual, a claim that is now under investigation.

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There is also concern over a structure erected within a natural water channel, which the diversion of water flow could worsen flooding, erosion, and cause other ecological disasters.

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“Large portions of land have already become unstable due to extensive excavation, while more than 60 persons were seen carrying out stone mining at the site. The Ministry of Environment will thoroughly investigate the activities and take appropriate action against anyone found to have violated environmental laws.

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“The ministry will forward the findings to appropriate quarters so as to determine whether the mining activities going on in the area were approved by the appropriate authorities and whether the operators complied with environmental laws and land reclamation requirements.”

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It was gathered that the inspection followed growing complaints from residents of the Trans Nkisi community, who noted that the continued excavation has left the area vulnerable to gully erosion.

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During the inspection, the commissioner further questioned developers erecting structures on wetlands and waterways, as well as the approval process for such developments.

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Describing the situation as “very unfortunate,” the commissioner said it defies reason for anyone to acquire land already threatened by flooding and erosion and still proceed with construction.

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Aguiyi frowned at a structure constructed in 2025 which had already encroached on the natural waterway and is now on the verge of collapse, adding that such developments have narrowed the drainage channel and accelerated the spread of gully erosion.

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He also expressed concern over the safety of the Nkisi Bridge, warning that erosion has already washed away parts of its protective stone embankment.

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“If urgent intervention is not undertaken, the bridge could become structurally unsafe within the next one or two years,” he added.

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The commissioner questioned how such projects could have received planning approval, stressing that the area is a designated wetland that should have been preserved to protect lives, property and public infrastructure.

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“We urge developers and residents to respect the state’s physical development master plan and environmental laws. Selfish development practices must not be allowed to endanger human lives.

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“The Anambra State Government is committed to protecting wetlands, preserving critical infrastructure and enforcing environmental regulations to prevent avoidable disasters,” he added.

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A resident of Trans Nkisi, Chief Onyebuchi Ndulue, appealed to the state government to urgently intervene, insisting that the community lacks the capacity to tackle the environmental damage caused by the mining activities.

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Ndulue alleged that illegal mining has spread across several locations along the Trans Nkisi river corridor, including the Nnakwense River end, posing increasing threats to lives, property, and public infrastructure.

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