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.

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The Lagos State Government has reopened six steel manufacturing companies after they complied with environmental regulations and implemented measures to address pollution concerns. The decision followed inspections that confirmed the companies had met the conditions required to resume operations.

The affected firms were previously shut down by the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) over violations relating to environmental pollution and non-compliance with regulatory standards. Following corrective actions by the companies, state authorities approved the reopening of the facilities.

According to the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, the companies demonstrated compliance by installing pollution control systems, improving waste management practices, and implementing measures to reduce emissions and protect surrounding communities.

The commissioner stressed that the state government remains committed to balancing industrial growth with environmental sustainability. He warned that companies operating in Lagos must continue to comply with environmental laws or risk fresh sanctions, including closure and prosecution where necessary.

Wahab noted that environmental compliance is essential to protecting public health, preserving ecosystems, and ensuring sustainable industrial development. He added that regulatory agencies would continue routine inspections and monitoring of industrial facilities across the state to ensure adherence to environmental standards.

Industry stakeholders welcomed the reopening, describing it as evidence that regulatory enforcement and business operations can coexist when companies comply with established environmental requirements. They also encouraged manufacturers to invest in cleaner technologies and adopt sustainable production practices to minimise their environmental impact.

The Lagos State Government reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing environmental regulations while supporting responsible industrial development that promotes economic growth without compromising public health or environmental quality.

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The Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA) has sealed Bonny Pie Industry located in Akinbo Township, Ewekoro Local Government Area, over allegations of environmental pollution through the discharge of untreated wastewater into a river used by residents.

The enforcement action followed a directive from the General Manager of OGEPA, Kehinde Bello, after the agency received a petition from the Olu of Akinbo, Oba Rasheed Olamilekan, alleging that the company was contaminating a major water source serving the community.

According to the petition, the industry had been discharging untreated wastewater into the river, raising concerns about environmental degradation and potential health risks for residents who rely on the water for domestic use.

In response to the complaint, OGEPA’s enforcement team conducted an inspection of the facility to verify the allegations and assess the environmental impact of the reported activities.

Based on preliminary findings, the agency sealed the facility as a precautionary measure to prevent further pollution while a comprehensive investigation is carried out.

Bello reiterated the Ogun State Government’s commitment to environmental sustainability and strict enforcement of environmental regulations across industries operating within the state.

He assured residents of Akinbo community that the investigation would be conducted transparently and professionally, adding that appropriate actions would be taken in line with the outcome of the findings.

The agency emphasized that industries are expected to comply fully with environmental laws and standards to safeguard public health, water resources, and the environment.

The development comes amid growing concerns over industrial waste management and environmental compliance in communities across Ogun State.

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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

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