The Ebonyi State Government has pledged firm action to eliminate child labour and the exploitation of women in mining sites across the state.
The Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development, Hon. Emmanuel Chidi Onyia, made this known during a familiarization visit by members of the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Ebonyi State Chapter, to his office at the Ochudo Centenary City, Abakaliki.
Onyia said the government is deeply concerned about the increasing rate of unsafe and illegal mining activities, especially those involving minors, pregnant women, and nursing mothers.
He noted that the administration of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru will not condone such practices that endanger lives and violate human rights.
“We inherited a situation where the welfare of our people was never considered in mining operations. Many of our women, including pregnant and nursing mothers, and even children under 18, are found working in unsafe mining environments. This is unacceptable.
"Ebonyi State Government is not in any way in support of child labour. Any mining site found using school children, pregnant or nursing mothers will face legal sanctions,” Onyia declared.
The Commissioner, who commended FIDA for its advocacy work, said the Ministry has launched new policies to ensure safety, welfare, and environmental protection within mining host communities.
These according to him, included mandatory relocation of households near mining pits, strict enforcement of personal protective equipment (PPE), and community monitoring to prevent abuse.
He further revealed that the Ministry had uncovered cases where some community stakeholders connived with mining companies to divert scholarships, health projects, and other community benefits meant for the people.
“We’ve seen stakeholders exchange community benefits for cash. That era is over. All Community Development Agreements (CDAs) must now be made public. The people have a right to know what belongs to them,” he said.
In her remarks, Barr. Ike-Odeh Oluchukwu, Chairperson of FIDA Ebonyi State, applauded the Commissioner’s proactive measures and expressed the body’s readiness to collaborate with the Ministry to protect the rights of women and children in mining areas.
“We have seen children working in mines during school hours without safety protection. That must end. The future of our children must be secured,” she stressed.
Also speaking, FIDA Vice Chairperson, Dr. Okpogo-Onwe Ogochukwu Cassandra, and Magistrate Ngozika Ngele reaffirmed the group’s commitment to supporting the government through sensitization, legal enforcement, and community advocacy.
“FIDA stands for protecting every citizen — women, children, and men alike. We are proud to partner with the Ministry to ensure safety, dignity, and justice in Ebonyi’s mining sector,” Dr. Okpogo-Onwe said.
The visit featured the presentation of FIDA’s 60th Anniversary magazine to the Commissioner and discussions on a strategic partnership aimed at promoting ethical mining practices, community safety, and child protection laws in Ebonyi State.
