In a decisive move to protect public health and the environment, Nigeria has imposed a ban on mineral processing plants operating in residential areas.
The federal government, in collaboration with state authorities, cited rampant lead poisoning, unchecked pollution, and unsafe exposure to toxic chemicals as key reasons for the crackdown.
The country also issued a legal mandate compelling plastic manufacturers and bottling companies to assume full responsibility for the waste generated by their products nationwide.
The ban, announced at the 18th National Council on Environment meeting held in Katsina State recently, aims to curb the health risks posed by unregulated mining and processing activities in populated zones, marking a critical step toward safeguarding communities and promoting sustainable development.
The resolutions were contained in a communique issued at the end of the three-day meeting themed ‘Tackling the Triple Planetary Crisis of Climate Change, Biodiversity Loss, and Pollution for Sustainable Development,’ and presided over by Balarabe Lawal, Minister of Environment.
Crackdown on mining hazards
Addressing the deadly intersection of mining activities and public health, the council took a decisive stance against unregulated mining practices
Following persistent reports of lead poisoning and environmental degradation, particularly in the North and North-Central regions, the meeting approved strict zoning restrictions. Consequently, a total ban has been placed on the operation of mineral processing companies within residential areas in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
In addition, the council mandated the immediate substitution of mercury and cyanide in gold extraction with safer alternative to protect human and animal life.
To mitigate the impact on affected areas, the council also approved the introduction of public health screening for mining host communities and made Livelihoods Restoration Plans a mandatory requirement before any mine activities can commence.
Polluters pay mandate
As part of measures to curb environmental degradation, the Council approved the mandatory adoption of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework.
Under this directive, plastic manufacturers and bottling companies are now legally required to manage the entire lifecycle of their products.
This policy shift effectively moves the financial burden of managing plastic waste—identified as a primary cause of urban flooding in cities like Lagos and Kano—from the government and taxpayers to the producers themselves.
Climate action, waste management
The council ordered the integration of climate change assessments into the Environmental Impact Assessment process, with particular emphasis on the Niger Delta region.
It also approved the development of a National Framework for the Environmentally Sound Management of Used Tyres in Nigeria, alongside the establishment of a certification scheme for refrigeration and air-conditioning practitioners.
Other key resolutions
To curb deforestation, the council directed the training of rural women and youth in the production of briquettes as an alternative to firewood.
It also approved the establishment of Faecal Sludge Management Plants in all states to meet Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) six targets on sanitation, as well as a new national framework for the sound management of used tyres.
