As mining activities in Ijero Ekiti, Ekiti State, continue to raise concerns over public health and infrastructure safety, stakeholders—ranging from government officials to academics and industry insiders—are weighing in on the pressing need to mitigate risks posed by the mining site that shares a boundary with the town’s specialist hospital.
A senior official at the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development confirmed that the mining operations in Ijero are licensed and legal, being conducted under the category of small-scale mining.
“The miners are not illegal,” the source said. “They renew their licenses as required, and the Federal Government is collecting due revenue.” However, the official acknowledged that the site is long overdue for mechanization. “What is happening now is still largely artisanal.
The current administration is focused on attracting investment that will help transition these sites into mechanized operations,” the source added, noting that Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Dele Alake, who hails from nearby Ikoro Ekiti, is personally committed to reforming mining in the area.
Despite licensing and regulation, stakeholders in the academic and medical communities are sounding the alarm on the implications of continuing mining next to a health facility.
Dr. Charles Oyelami, an Associate Professor of Geology at the Federal University, Oye Ekiti, emphasized that the health hazards—ranging from air and noise pollution to water contamination—could have dire long-term consequences.
“Silicosis, caused by inhalation of dust particles rich in silicon, may not show symptoms immediately but can lead to severe respiratory illness, including coughing out blood,” Oyelami said.
He also warned of potential water contamination from trace minerals, urging that groundwater quality be periodically assessed and mining operations be scheduled to minimize hospital disruption.
Prof. Lawrence Ademilua, a geophysicist at Ekiti State University, corroborated these concerns, noting that most miners engage in open-cast mining without backfilling the pits, resulting in soil erosion and water pollution.
“Shallow wells used by residents are particularly vulnerable,” he said. “Dynamite blasting also poses a structural risk to nearby buildings, many of which lack the robust German foundation standards.”
He went further to highlight the potential for radioactive exposure due to a lack of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), stating that miners often do not know the full composition of the minerals they extract.
“The government must acquire the affected area and resettle both residents and the hospital to prevent ongoing exposure to health and structural risks,” he said.
From a medical standpoint, Prof. Patrick Adegun of FUOYE warned that proximity to mining sites can lead to a rise in respiratory issues, including tuberculosis and aggravated asthma, along with psychological stress for hospital workers and patients.
“Increased particulate matter in the air could elevate incidents of hypertension, diabetes, and stroke,” he said, adding that comprehensive public health policies must be urgently implemented.
In response to mounting criticism, the Ekiti State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, assured the public of the government’s commitment to safety.
“We are aware of the concerns. A stop-work order has been issued at the site by the federal ministry, and we are assessing the impact of mining activities on our facility,” he said.
Filani stated that although no reports of structural damage had reached his office, the government was actively working with the Ministries of Environment and Works to monitor the integrity of the hospital infrastructure.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that our facility remains structurally sound and continues to serve the public safely,” he said.
Meanwhile, miners themselves are hopeful that the future of mining in Ijero lies in industrial transformation. Chairman of the local miners’ group, Mr. Dada, admitted that artisanal methods are inefficient and prone to attracting criticism.
“We are encouraging investors to come in. Already, about ten have shown interest in bringing in mechanized mining this year alone,” he said.
As Nigeria seeks to boost revenue from its solid mineral sector, the case of Ijero Ekiti highlights a broader national challenge: balancing economic opportunity with public health and environmental safety.
While official assurances and budding investor interest paint a picture of hope, many believe lasting solutions will require stringent enforcement of safety regulations, compulsory environmental assessments, and potentially the relocation of vulnerable institutions like the Ijero General Hospital.
