Nigeria’s Federal Government Demands Zero-Waste Policies From Mining And Quarrying Firms

Nigeria’s Federal Government Demands Zero-Waste Policies From Mining And Quarrying Firms

The federal government has called on mining and quarrying companies to implement zero-waste policies in order to promote environmental sustainability During a recent address, the Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, emphasized the need for a balance...CONTINUE READING…

between development and a safe, sustainable environment. He highlighted the importance of responsible practices in the mining and quarrying sectors.

The Minister made these remarks while delivering a keynote speech at a workshop focused on mainstreaming circular economy principles in the construction, mining, and quarrying sectors. The event was organized by the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) in collaboration with the European Union, and took place in Abuja.

Lawal explained that the circular economy framework is essential for aligning development with environmental sustainability. He acknowledged the significant contribution of mining and quarrying to Nigeria’s economic growth but also pointed out the adverse environmental impacts, such as land degradation, unregulated mining pits, and deforestation.

He stressed that the unchecked practices in mining and quarrying are detrimental to communities, ecosystems, and the country’s overall landscape. To address these issues, the Minister called for the adoption of circular economy strategies in the construction industry to minimize its environmental impact. He further urged mining and quarrying companies to adopt zero-waste policies, repurposing mining by-products like tailings and waste rocks for industrial or construction use.

In his welcome address, Dr. Innocent Barikor, Director General of NESREA, praised the circular economy as a transformative model for conserving resources, regenerating ecosystems, and fostering sustainable urbanization.

Senator Akintude Yunus, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment, and Hon. Terseer Ugbor, Deputy Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Environment, both pledged the National Assembly’s support for environmental protection through legislative measures.