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The Community Development Advocacy Foundation (CODAF) has launched a damning report exposing egregious human rights violations and environmental degradation of host communities by Chinese and indigenous mining companies in Nigeria.
The report, entitled “Mining Practices in Ezillo and Ikwo Communities of Ebonyi State: An Environmental Time Bomb,” was publicly unveiled at a global briefing jointly organised by the Environmental Defenders Network (EDEN), Renevelyn Development Initiative (RDI) and Africa Just Transition Network (AJTN) and attended by over 60 participants—including legal experts, grassroots organisers, and media professionals.
Findings in the report revealed a lack of environmental audits prior to mining activities, massive land degradation, pollution, and destruction of livelihoods., Discriminatory compensation schemes benefiting local elites, use of Military/Police to suppress dissent and loss of youth and skilled population due to economic collapse.
The Report in its recommendations called for Independent Environmental Audits, including post-impact assessments to quantify damage and guide restoration, Fair and Inclusive Compensation for the locals that align with international standards such as the World Bank’s OP 4.12.
It also demanded inclusive community engagement that must take into cognisance the position of women, youth, and marginalised groups in all negotiations and agreements, among others.
The Report stated that Field investigations conducted across four communities in the State revealed a total absence of Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA), a legal requirement under Nigerian law.
“Bypass of due process by the mining firms, signing non-legislative agreements with local elites and exclusion of the broader community in the processes”, the Report stated.
At the global launch, Ciza Mukabaha, assistant coordinator, AJTN, said the report revealed a wilful non-compliance with national and international legal frameworks, highlighting the devastating impact of pollution, land grabbing, intimidation, and the failure of companies to fulfil community development agreements.
“These communities deserve justice, compensation, and comprehensive remediation of the damages caused”, it added.
Chima Williams, executive director, Environmental Defenders Network (EDEN) said: “What we see in this report is not just negligence—it is structured impunity. Legal strategies, including class action lawsuits and community litigation are necessary tools to hold violators accountable and secure justice.”
Communities now face severe air and water pollution, infertile soils, declining crop yields, respiratory illnesses, and disrupted livelihoods. Vulnerable groups—especially women, youth, and persons with disabilities—have been entirely excluded from compensation processes and decision-making structures.
Meanwhile, state security forces are reportedly used to intimidate community members who resist or speak out.
Philip Jakpor, executive director at the Renevelyn Development Initiative, said: “The findings are disturbing and add to the pool of resources available to hold the mining firms to account. The media must rise to its responsibility of amplifying community voices and exposing environmental injustices. Silence in the face of these injustices is as dangerous as the grave situation in the communities”.
In his intervention, Maimoni Ubrei-Joe, director of Campaigns and Administration at CODAF, explained that the report was intended to ignite not only outrage but also action.
“The people of Ezillo and Ikwo deserve justice, dignity, and a healthy environment to call home”, it added.
