By Nkechinyere Ewa-Okpara
The Ebonyi State House of Assembly Committee on Solid Mineral Development has summoned illegal quarry operators around the Ezza Inyimagu quarry pit in Izzi Local Government Area to appear before it on Thursday, June 26, 2025.
Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Ifeanyi Nwakpu, disclosed this during an oversight visit, stating that the summoned companies are operating without proper registration, signposts, or names. He further accused them of engaging underage children from neighbouring villages as labourers without providing safety gear.
Hon. Nwakpu expressed concern that such practices undermine the efforts of Governor Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonnia Nwifuru is heavily investing in education to ensure that every child in the state has access to quality schooling.
In response to the violations, the committee ordered the immediate closure of the illegal quarry sites pending full compliance with the state’s mining and safety regulations.
However, the committee’s visit to China Geo-Engineering Company (CGC), also located at Ezza Inyimagu in Izzi, painted a contrasting picture. Workers at the site were observed adhering strictly to safety protocols, fully equipped with protective gear.
Commending the company, Hon. Nwakpu praised the CGC management for its compliance with safety standards, stating that if other quarry companies followed suit, the sector would be in a much healthier state.
Also speaking, Hon. Friday Ogbuewu, a member of the committee representing Ezza South Constituency, emphasised that the oversight visit was part of the committee’s statutory responsibility to protect the interests of the host communities, the companies, and the government, while also ensuring a conducive environment for business operations.
In his remarks, the Manager of CGC, Mr. Titus Dominic, appreciated the committee’s visit and reiterated the company’s commitment to abiding by mining laws, including regular payment of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), fulfilment of corporate social responsibilities, and adherence to all regulatory requirements.