Govt Urges Sustainable, Climate-Smart Mining In Nigeria
By ABAH ADAH, Abuja
The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN), through the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development (MSMD), has tasked miners to adopt sustainable practices that mitigate environmental impact and climate change, while contributing to the country’s economic growth.
The charge was given during a sensitisation workshop and town hall meeting themed: “Environmental Obligations of Mineral Title Holders, Mining Activities, and Climate Change”, held Tuesday in Lagos, according to a statement signed by the head of the ministry’s Information and Public Relations Department, Chinwe Ekwugha.
Delivering the Keynote address, Permanent Secretary (PS) Dr Mary Ogbe reiterated the ministry’s commitment to promoting environmentally responsible mining practices in Nigeria, stressing the critical role the mining sector plays in addressing climate change.
Represented by Director Legal Services Mrs Nwamaka Odili, the PS reminded participants that the Nigerian Mineral and Mining Act of 2007 clearly outlines the environmental obligations that mineral title holders must meet at every stage of mining operations—before commencement, during mining activities, and in post-mining operations.
“The federal government is fully committed to creating a conducive environment for responsible mining practices,” Dr Ogbe noted,hinting of the ministry’s move to professionalise and already established Environmental Protection and Rehabilitation Fund (EPRF) – an initiative aimed at ensuring that mining activities do not harm the environment,” Dr Ogbe said.
In light of the growing global concern around climate change, she also stressed the need for stakeholders in the mining sector to actively contribute towards mitigating its impact, while urging operators to adopt sustainable mining practices, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and embrace the use of renewable energy sources.
“Together, we can create a sustainable future for our nation, our economy, and future generations,” Dr Ogbe concluded, expressing optimism about the impact of the workshop and wishing all participants fruitful deliberations.
Speaking at the workshop, the Director of Mining Environmental Compliance (MEC), Dr Vivian Okono, emphasised the need for collective action in combating climate change within the mining sector. “As professionals, we have a crucial role in reassessing the sector’s carbon footprint and ensuring that our operations contribute positively to global climate objectives”
The speech reinforced the call earlier made by the Permanent Secretary, urging stakeholders to adopt sustainable mining practices and reduce their environmental impact.
She highlighted, among other things, the importance of mining operators fulfilling their community development agreements (CDA), as enshrined in the Nigerian Mining Act of 2007.
These agreements ensure that communities where mining occurs benefit from social and infrastructural development.
During the workshop, goodwill messages were delivered by key stakeholders who presented a common front in support of responsible mining practices. They include the Akran of Badagry Kingdom, the Chairman of Lagos State Mineral Resources & Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO), the President of the Dredgers Association of Nigeria (Lagos State Branch), the Chairmen of both the Miners and Dredgers Associations (Badagry Branch), and the Chairperson of Women in Mining, Lagos State chapter.