A former PDP National Chairman Audu Ogbe on Tuesday in Abuja called for the resettlement of people living around quarry sites in Mpape, a suburb of the FCT.

Ogbe, who spoke at a stakeholders” meeting on quarry operations organised by the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, said that those living at such sites were faced with environmental disturbances resulting from the effect of blasting and other quarry activities.

“Residence of Mpape living around blast sites should be relocated elsewhere to avoid environmental disasters,” he said. Ogbe also called for concerted efforts by stakeholders to address other challenges hindering the operations of quarries in the country. He noted that mining operations were capital intensive and stressed the need for the establishment of an association of quarry owners in Abuja.

Ogbe said such a body would ensure best practices in the sub-sector, as well as to serve as a voice for the operators and urged them to abide by the provision of the 2007 Mines and Minerals’ Law. Also speaking, Dr Ihioma Ekeh, Director, Mines Environmental Compliance Department in the Ministry, listed some requirements, which were