Blue Economy: A Study of Sand (Nveja) Mining Industry and the Economy of Ebonyi State, Nigeria, 1999-2023

Abstract

Sand deposit is one of the mineral deposits that are found in, and obtained from rivers in different parts of Ebonyi State. The research is anchored on Linkage Theory developed by Albert Hirschman. This theory suggests that a leading sector, such as the sand industry as a component of blue economy can drive economic growth and development through its linkage with other sectors. Strict investigations revealed that its impact on the economy is conspicuous on the areas of extraction, distribution, and construction. Data were generated from primary and secondary sources. They were analysed qualitatively, using content analysis to identify that the industry was an important source of revenue and employment, providing invaluable support to the sector of construction. It is further discovered that the main sources of sand for construction in the state are rivers and their banks. The rivers cut across various places that are not limited to the communities of Ezza, Izzi, and Afikpo. Its negative effects, such as environmental and health risks, and challenges were investigated. It is discovered that the management practices, involving use of local skills, and manual mining approach are inadequate and could not sustain a long-term extraction, and distribution of the wealth for sustainable profit maximization. So, the enterprise requires a thoughtful and problem-solving policy that could create a conducive environment for achieving profit-oriented sand mining enterprise. This pursuit would be strengthened by subsidizing the cost of mechanising the industry. Implementation of such a scheme would involve active participation of entrepreneurs, alongside some critical stakeholders of all religions.