By Danjuma Amodu | March 2, 2026
The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has sealed the Dai Jin Jia Quarry in ACO Village, Airport Road, Abuja, following the death of a 10-year-old boy during a blasting operation on Friday, February 27, 2026.
This was contained in a statement released by Nwamaka Ejiofor, NESREA’s Assistant Director of Press.
Addressing the media on the incident, the Director General, Prof. Innocent represented by the Director, Environmental Quality Control of the Agency, Mr. Elijah Udofia, recalled that Dai Jin Jia quarry was sealed last year in accordance with the agency’s commitment to uphold the highest environmental standards and ensure the safety of host communities, noting, however, that despite warnings and regulatory oversight of the Agency, the facility had remained recalcitrant.
“It is distressing to see that despite prior warnings and sealing, the facility chose to continue operations that not only violate National Environmental Regulations but also put lives at risk. The quarry has been sealed again, this time in response to the grievous consequences of its operations.”
“The quarry did not have a documented Blasting Operation Plan and could not produce documented Charge Load Density (CLD) used for the blasting operation, violating Regulation 23 of National Environmental (Quarrying and Blasting Operations) Regulations 2013,” said Mr. Elijah Udofia, Director of Environmental Quality Control, NESREA.
He noted that even more worrisome was the fact that the Warning Alarm System (Siren) of the quarry, which would have notified residents of the intention of the facility to carry out a blasting operation, was faulty. Residents of ACO Village had previously protested the quarry’s operations, citing damage to properties and safety concerns.
NESREA has launched an investigation and vowed to hold responsible parties accountable. “This incident highlights the importance of adherence to environmental regulations. We must prioritize the safety and well-being of our citizens,” Udofia emphasized.
In a similar incident, NESREA shut down Cornerstone Quarry, managed by Istanbul Quarry, in November 2025 after flying rocks injured 11 students and two staff members at Graceland High School in Dutse area of Abuja. The quarry was found to have violated National Environmental (Quarrying and Blasting Operations) Regulations 2013.
The agency has urged quarry operators to comply with National Environmental Regulations, warning that it will take necessary actions against violators to prevent future tragedies. NESREA’s regulations for quarrying and blasting operations include having a documented Blasting Operation Plan, maintaining Charge Load Density records, installing functional Warning Alarm Systems, establishing safety zones, and undergoing regular inspections. Quarries must also ensure workers wear Personal Protective Equipment, receive regular training, and engage with local communities.
