Key Points

• Isara Remo residents petition Ogun governor over destructive quarry operations.

• Quarry activities cause air pollution, damaged roads, and health risks.

• Community demands compliance with mining laws and proper regulation of levies.

Residents of Isara Remo in Remo North Local Government Area of Ogun State have called on Governor Dapo Abiodun and the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Daisi Elemide, to intervene in what they describe as harmful quarry operations in their community.

The petition was led by Taiwo Bakare, chairman of the Isara Socio-Economic Vanguard.

Residents submitted copies to both the governor’s office and the state assembly, highlighting environmental damage, public health risks, and poor infrastructure caused by quarry activities.

Community Voices Concerns

Bakare told journalists that Isara Remo has suffered neglect and unfair treatment despite hosting the quarry companies.

He said the operations violate the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act 2007, noting that the companies have refused to execute Community Development Agreements that should benefit the host community.

“Our community faces air pollution, environmental degradation, and broken roads caused by heavy trucks running day and night,” Bakare said.

“If this continues unchecked, we risk higher cases of asthma, lung and skin diseases, and the destruction of fertile farmland, threatening local food security.”

Residents also raised concerns about individuals collecting unauthorised payments from quarry operators, calling for proper regulation by government agencies.

They urged that families selling land to foreign investors, including Chinese firms, seek approval from the state Ministry of Solid Minerals Development.

Impact on Agriculture and Roads

Bakare highlighted that roads linking Isara to Ago-Iwoye are in poor condition.

Farmers are struggling to transport their produce to markets, with much of it spoiling before it reaches buyers. High transport costs are adding to their hardship.

The petition requested an immediate investigation into compliance by quarries in the Peteku and Odo areas with the Minerals and Mining Act.

Residents also asked for scrutiny of illegal receipts and unauthorised levies collected locally.

The chairman of the Isara Development Council, Benson Lawal, echoed the concerns. “These quarries operate without following the law, failing to support community development.

Governor Abiodun must protect residents and ensure quarry operations do not undermine sustainable development,” he said.

National Context

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, recently highlighted the sector’s growth, saying it now contributes 1.8 percent to Nigeria’s GDP, up from less than 0.5 percent a decade ago.

He attributed the increase to federal reforms and stricter regulation, noting 4.61 percent growth in the sector in the second quarter of 2025.

While the industry is showing growth nationally, the situation in Isara Remo clearly shows the need for local compliance with environmental and community development laws to prevent long-term harm to residents and farmland.