CODAF Report Reveals Devastating Impact Of Mining Activities In Ebonyi Communities
A new report launched by the Community Development Advocacy Foundation (CODAF) has exposed the egregious human rights violations and environmental degradation caused by Chinese and Indian mining companies in Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
The report, titled “Mining Practices in Ezillo and Ikwo Communities of Ebonyi State: An Environmental Time Bomb”, highlighted the devastating impact of pollution, land grabbing, intimidation, and the failure of companies to fulfil community development agreements.
According to the report, field investigations conducted across four communities in Ebonyi State found a total absence of Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA), a legal requirement under Nigerian law.
The mining activities have resulted in massive land degradation, pollution, and destruction of livelihoods, with communities facing severe air and water pollution, infertile soils, declining crop yields, respiratory illnesses, and disrupted livelihoods.
The report also reveals that vulnerable groups, including women, youth, and persons with disabilities, have been entirely excluded from compensation processes and decision-making structures. Instead, local elites have benefited from discriminatory compensation schemes, further exacerbating the suffering of affected communities.
The use of state security forces to intimidate community members who resist or speak out against mining activities has also been reported.
Speaking at the global launch of the report, via Zoom, Ciza Mukabaha, Assistant Coordinator of the Africa Just Transition Network (AJTN), emphasised that the report highlights the wilful non-compliance with national and international legal frameworks by mining companies.
“These communities deserve justice, compensation, and comprehensive remediation of the damages caused,” Mukabaha said.
Mercia Andrews of the Rural Women’s Assembly (South Africa) noted that the stories from Ezillo and Ikwo reflect a broader struggle of rural communities across Africa. “Organising women and affected people into strong, informed movements is key to reclaiming our land, rights, and future,” Andrews said.
Chima Williams, Executive Director of the Environmental Defenders Network (EDEN), described the situation as “structured impunity” and emphasised the need for legal strategies to hold violators accountable and secure justice. “What we see in this report is not just negligence—it is structured impunity,” Williams said.
The report recommends independent environmental audits, fair and inclusive compensation, inclusive community engagement, implementation of resettlement and livelihood programmes, and enforcement of environmental laws.
The organisation is calling for urgent action to address the devastating impact of mining activities in Ebonyi State and to ensure that affected communities receive justice and compensation.
CODAF Report Reveals Devastating Impact Of Mining Activities In Ebonyi Communities is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
