By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
A 10-year-old boy has been confirmed dead following a blasting operation at Dai Jin Jia Quarry in ACO Village along Airport Road, Abuja, triggering swift regulatory action by the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA).
The fatal incident occurred on Friday, February 27, 2026, and has heightened concerns over compliance with safety and environmental standards within the quarrying sector.
Confirming the development in a statement signed by Nwamaka Ejiofor, Assistant Director (Press), and dated March 2, 2026, NESREA said it received information about the incident and immediately commenced preliminary investigations in collaboration with officers of the Nigeria Police, ACO Division. The agency has since sealed the facility.
Speaking to journalists on behalf of the Director-General, Prof. Innocent Barikor, the Director of Environmental Quality Control, Mr. Elijah Udofia, revealed that the quarry had previously been sealed for regulatory infractions but allegedly continued operations despite warnings and enforcement actions.
Udofia disclosed that preliminary findings showed the company failed to provide a documented Blasting Operation Plan and could not produce records of its Charge Load Density (CLD) — detailing the quantity of explosives used during blasting — in violation of Regulation 23 of the National Environmental (Quarrying and Blasting Operations) Regulations, 2013.
He described the development as distressing, noting that the facility’s actions not only breached environmental laws but also endangered lives. “The quarry has been sealed again, this time in response to the grievous consequences of its operations,” he stated.
The agency further expressed concern that the quarry’s warning alarm system, intended to alert residents ahead of blasting, was reportedly faulty at the time of the incident.
NESREA assured the public that investigations are ongoing and that all responsible parties will be held accountable. It also urged operators in the quarry sector to strictly adhere to national environmental regulations to safeguard lives and host communities from avoidable tragedies.
