The Chairman of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly Committee on Solid Mineral Development and member representing Ikwo North Constituency, Hon. Ifeanyi Nwakpu, has called on quarry operators in the state to reciprocate the peaceful and business-friendly environment provided by the state government by complying with safety regulations, paying their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), and fulfilling corporate social responsibilities.
Hon. Nwakpu gave the charge when the committee embarked on an oversight visit to several quarry sites in Ishielu Local Government Area. He expressed dissatisfaction with the poor safety practices observed at some locations, especially the absence of safety gadgets for workers and failure to display proper signposts.
At Idike Engineering Company, Ezillo, the committee chairman frowned at the company’s non-compliance with mining laws and directed its management to address the shortcomings immediately or face legal consequences.
However, at Jing Zang Quarry, Ezillo, the committee was impressed with the level of compliance. Workers were seen in uniforms, and the company maintained a cordial relationship with its host community. Hon. Nwakpu commended the management for their effort and urged them to sustain the standards.
During visits to Top Trust (Sino) Quarry and Forever Chim Company, Hon. Nwakpu emphasized that the oversight visit was not to witch-hunt, but to identify areas where the Assembly could offer support. He expressed satisfaction with their operational processes and encouraged continuous improvement.
Other lawmakers on the oversight visit, including Hon. Steve Orji Igwe (Edda East) and Hon. Onu Charles (Onicha West), also urged companies to pay more attention to the welfare of their workers and ensure better customer service delivery.
Responding, the Managing Director of Jing Zang Quarry, Mrs. Lucy Gao Jinmes, appreciated the committee’s visit, noting that it had encouraged the company to improve on IGR payments and community responsibilities. Similarly, Mr. Cletus Onoja, General Manager of Top Trust Quarry, affirmed that his company consistently meets its financial obligations to the state and pledged to maintain high standards.
Hon. Nwakpu reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to ensuring that all mining companies in the state adhere strictly to existing laws and contribute meaningfully to both state development and the wellbeing of their host communities.