An Abuja-based quarry company, Stone Rockers Ltd., has petitioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and two federal ministers over the continued closure of its business premises by operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The company is seeking government intervention after alleging that its quarry site in Kuje Area Council, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has remained shut for more than 13 months without a valid court order.

The petition was addressed to President Tinubu, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, and the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

Company alleges unlawful closure

Stone Rockers Ltd. submitted the petition through the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, claiming that its facility located at Plot FL-109, Cadastral Zone, Gaube Farmland Layout, Barmishi Village, Kuje, was sealed by NSCDC operatives.

During a protest at the ministry, the company’s spokesperson, Adeyeye Olugbenga, said the firm was legally registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and had been prevented from operating for over a year.

Olugbenga alleged that the closure was carried out by the NSCDC Mining Marshal without sufficient justification or a court directive.

He said the shutdown had affected more than 70 workers and their dependants, creating serious economic hardship for families linked to the company.

The spokesperson appealed to the Federal Government to investigate the circumstances surrounding the closure and order the reopening of the facility if no legal basis existed for the action.

Company challenges mining allegations

The firm disputed allegations of land encroachment and illegal mining, describing the claims as unfounded.

Olugbenga said Stone Rockers Ltd. had filed a civil suit against the NSCDC challenging the continued closure of its operations.

He alleged that the legal process had experienced delays and called on authorities to ensure that the matter was resolved through due process.

According to him, the company operates in quarrying, sand dredging and real estate, and had contributed to the local economy through employment creation and community support.

He said the company had employed more than 70 Nigerians directly and indirectly within its first year of operation.

Olugbenga also claimed that the company had supported its host community through development projects, scholarships and payment of required royalties.

“We support the fight against illegal mining and quarrying, but we will not support abuse of law or office,” he said.

NSCDC says company involved in illegal mining

Responding to the allegations, the NSCDC Mining Marshal, Commander John Onoja, said the agency acted professionally and that the company was taken to court over alleged illegal mining activities.

Onoja claimed that the company had admitted through correspondence and other documents that it was involved in illegal mining.

He said the matter was already before the court and advised the company to await the outcome of the legal process.

According to him, the NSCDC had responded to inquiries from the Ministries of Interior and Solid Minerals Development regarding the complaint.

Onoja also stated that the company had earlier attempted to resolve the matter through settlement discussions.

He said a six-week period was provided for both parties to reach an agreement, but the attempt failed after the complainant rejected the proposed terms.

The NSCDC official maintained that the agency’s action was aimed at protecting Nigeria’s mineral resources and preventing illegal mining activities.

Government response pending

The petition submitted by Stone Rockers Ltd. was acknowledged by the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development.

However, efforts by journalists to obtain an official response from the ministry were unsuccessful at the time of the report.

The matter remains subject to ongoing legal proceedings between the company and the NSCDC.

Background Information

Illegal mining has become a major concern in Nigeria, with government agencies increasing enforcement efforts to protect mineral resources and regulate mining activities.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) was empowered to support the protection of critical national assets, including mineral resources.

At the same time, licensed mining operators have repeatedly called for stronger regulatory clarity and protection against unnecessary disruptions