A non-governmental organisation, Bincike International, has called on the Federal Government to revoke illegally issued mining permits operating within Nigeria’s protected reserves and prosecute individuals and organisations involved in unlawful mining activities.

The organisation also urged the government to ensure that degraded areas are properly restored, warning that unregulated mining is damaging agricultural land, contaminating water sources and threatening the livelihoods of communities that depend on the affected environments.

The Executive Director of Bincike International, Dr Elisha Bello, said illegal mining operations are taking place in some areas with little regard for environmental regulations, human rights and worker safety. He also raised concerns about child labour and the links between illegal mining activities and insecurity in some rural communities.

Bello said Nigeria’s significant deposits of critical minerals present an opportunity for economic development, but warned that illegal exploitation is allowing criminal networks to benefit from the country’s natural resources while governments and host communities lose potential revenue.

He specifically alleged that illegal mining activities have encroached on environmentally sensitive locations, including Cross River National Park and Gashaka Gumti National Park. According to him, some operations are being conducted under improperly issued or fraudulently obtained licences, potentially violating provisions of Nigeria’s mining and national park legislation.

The group warned that mining within protected landscapes could accelerate deforestation, soil erosion and water contamination while threatening biodiversity. Species identified as being at risk include the Cross River gorilla, forest elephants and chimpanzees.

Bello also pointed to the commercial importance of Nigeria’s mineral resources, particularly lithium. He argued that the country’s high-grade deposits could generate significant economic value if properly regulated, processed locally and incorporated into formal supply chains.

To address the problem, Bincike International called for stronger transparency measures across the mining sector, including independent audits and public monitoring of mineral extraction. The organisation said such measures could help ensure that royalties and other revenues reach government coffers and host communities.

It also urged authorities to strengthen environmental and human-rights enforcement, tackle child labour, improve protection for conservation personnel and address the relationship between illegal mining, environmental degradation and insecurity.

The organisation further proposed greater involvement of host communities in protecting conservation areas, arguing that communities should have a formal stake in safeguarding protected lands and natural resources.

Bincike International maintained that Nigeria’s mineral wealth should contribute to national development rather than enrich illegal networks at the expense of the environment, local communities and public revenue.

The post Group Demands Cancellation of Illegal Mining Permits in National Parks appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Abuja’s green spaces  the parks, open fields, and natural reserves that give the city its scenic beauty  are disappearing at an alarming rate.

Fresh findings show widespread encroachment on these protected areas in some of the capital’s most exclusive districts, including Guzape, Maitama, Wuse, Katampe, Kado, and the Central Business District.

Many of the spaces, originally marked for recreation, conservation, and environmental balance under the 1979 Abuja Master Plan, are now being converted into residential buildings, commercial outlets, and other developments.

Experts warn that these violations extend beyond green spaces. Waterways, drainage channels, and power line corridors are also being obstructed, raising the risk of flooding, health hazards, and infrastructural breakdowns.

“This is a disaster in waiting,” an urban planner told reporters. “Green areas exist to protect the environment, prevent flooding, and keep the city livable. Ignoring the master plan will put residents at risk.”

Concerned residents have called on the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to enforce the Abuja Master Plan, stop illegal constructions, and restore affected areas before irreversible damage is done.

Source: Daily Trust

The post Residents, Experts Raise Alarm Over Loss of Abuja’s Green Zones appeared first on Housing TV Africa.