The Nigerian government is stepping up to tackle serious environmental issues. Recently, they held the 18th National Council on Environment (NCE) meeting, where plans were made to address challenges like plastic pollution, mining dangers, and climate change. The goal is to protect public health and promote a healthier, more sustainable Nigeria.
During this meeting, led by Minister of Environment Balarabe Lawal, officials looked closely at how mining and plastic waste harm people and nature. A key decision was to stop mineral processing companies from operating in residential and sensitive areas. This aims to safeguard communities from the health risks linked to mining.
Another major step involves holding plastic manufacturers responsible for the waste created by their products through an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework. This initiative is crucial in tackling Nigeria’s growing plastic problem. Environmental experts pointed out that the unchecked pollution from mining and plastics poses a serious threat to health and safety, especially in crowded cities. Thus, these new rules are a significant move towards a cleaner, safer environment.
The council also mandated establishing Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) in all state environmental ministries, while the federal government retains final approval over these assessments. This structure is aimed at improving compliance and coordination in addressing environmental impacts. Key measures include screening protocols for health in mining communities and requiring plans to restore livelihoods when mines close. This shows a commitment to environmental justice for affected communities.
To improve sanitation and public health, state governments will now set up faecal sludge management plants. This is part of Nigeria’s push towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6, which focuses on clean water and sanitation. Additionally, better air and water quality monitoring will be implemented in industrial areas to protect public health.
Addressing toxic pollution, the council decided to replace harmful chemicals like mercury and cyanide used in gold extraction. This choice underscores the government’s focus on protecting both people and the environment from dangerous substances.
Experts believe these actions are timely. According to a recent report from the World Bank, environmental challenges are not just local—they’re global. Poor air quality contributes to millions of deaths yearly, and Nigeria is no exception. By addressing these issues, Nigeria could not only improve its own environment but also set an example for other nations.
The NCE meeting gathered 312 participants, including government officials, environmental agencies, and NGOs, all coming together to share ideas for a sustainable future. With these ambitious initiatives, Nigeria aims to tackle the intertwined crises of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss, working toward a better, greener future for all.
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