The Nigerian government has called on mining and quarrying companies to adopt zero-waste policies to ensure sustainable environmental practices. This directive was made by the Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, during a keynote address at the Workshop on Mainstreaming Circular Economy in Land Degradation Sectors of Construction, Mining, and Quarrying, organized by NESREA in partnership with the European Union.
Lawal emphasized the need for balanced development that aligns mining activities with environmental sustainability. He pointed out that while mining and quarrying play a crucial role in Nigeria’s economic growth, they also contribute to land degradation through unregulated mining pits, exhausted quarry sites, deforestation, and pollution. These issues disrupt local ecosystems, landscapes, and communities, creating an imbalance between development and environmental protection.
To address these challenges, Lawal stressed the importance of adopting circular economy strategies, particularly in reducing the environmental footprint of the construction, mining, and quarrying industries. He urged companies to implement zero-waste policies, repurposing mining by-products such as tailings and waste rocks for industrial or construction use. This approach, according to Lawal, would help prioritize land rehabilitation and mitigate the adverse environmental impacts of mining and quarrying operations.
Dr. Innocent Barikor, Director General of NESREA, echoed the call for a circular economy, highlighting its potential to conserve resources, regenerate ecosystems, and promote sustainable urbanization. He called for widespread collaboration to restore degraded lands and protect the environment for future generations.
Senator Akintunde 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 in creating legislative backing for environmental protection initiatives in Nigeria.