CS Group Raises Alarm Over Environmental Health Crisis in Gujeni….calls for urgent intervention

By Alex Uangbaoje, Kaduna

Network for Civil Societies in Environment, has raised serious concerns over the environmental and public health risks posed by the operations of a steel company in Gujeni, a community in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State, calling for government’s urgent intervention.

Environment advocate and Coordinator of the group, Gloria Kasang Bulus, while speaking to journalists at the Kaduna State House of Assembly, warned that the environmental degradation witnessed in Gujeni is not only alarming but also indicative of a broader public health emergency.

“This is more than just pollution, it’s a sign of a crisis,” she said. “The presence of soot in the air, discolored vegetation, and reports of worsening health conditions among residents all point to serious environmental hazards. This demands immediate government attention.”

She revealed that the issue came to light after residents of Gujeni raised the alarm over the impact of emissions from the steel plant located along the Abuja Road. The community reported significant crop damage, respiratory problems, and a noticeable decline in air quality.

Prompted by these concerns, civil society groups led by Bulus conducted a preliminary assessment and submitted a formal petition to the State House of Assembly. The petition triggered a motion of urgent public concern, presented by Hon. Henry Marah Zacharia.

Bulus applauded the lawmaker’s swift action and welcomed the Assembly’s decision to set up a committee to carry out an on-the-spot assessment of the situation.

“We’ve already met with the chairmen of the Assembly committees on Health, Environment, Information, NGOs, and IGOs,” she said. “We expect a thorough investigation and a strong, evidence-based report that will lead to practical solutions.”

She emphasized that preventing such crises in the future requires stricter oversight of industrial activities and more inclusive decision-making processes.

“Environmental impact assessments must be mandatory and meaningful, not just procedural,” Bulus stressed. “No company should be allowed to operate without proving that their activities will not harm people or the environment.”

She concluded by calling on the Kaduna State Government to work hand-in-hand with civil society organizations to develop sustainable policies and take proactive steps to protect communities from industrial pollution.

“The government must ensure that economic development does not come at the expense of public health,” she said. “We are ready to partner with relevant stakeholders to ensure that the rights, health, and environment of our people are protected.”