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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In a bold move to address Edo State’s mounting environmental challenges, Governor Monday Okpebholo on Wednesday inaugurated Barrister Blessing Agbomhere as Chairman of the Edo State Ecological Funding and Management Commission, charging him with leading a strategic, multi-sectoral response to the state’s ecological crises.

The appointment comes amid growing concerns over gully erosion, land degradation, flooding, and climate-induced threats across the state. Governor Okpebholo, speaking at the swearing-in ceremony in Benin City, emphasized his administration’s commitment to long-term environmental restoration and resilience.

“Our state has endured significant ecological damage over the years,” the governor said. “With this new team, I am confident we will deliver lasting relief to vulnerable communities. Barrister Agbomhere has the competence, courage, and network to attract both local and international collaboration for effective interventions.”

The governor called on the commission to engage with national environmental agencies, development partners, and multilateral institutions to secure funding and technical assistance for sustainable solutions. He underscored the urgency of implementing policies that prioritise environmental sustainability and community welfare.

In his remarks, Agbomhere expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him, pledging to serve with dedication, transparency, and impact.

“I am deeply honored by this responsibility,” he said. “We will work tirelessly to justify the governor’s confidence and improve the quality of life for the people of Edo through meaningful, science-backed ecological interventions.”

Agbomhere also reaffirmed his commitment to aligning with the state’s development agenda and President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope vision, which identifies environmental protection as a national priority.

A seasoned legal practitioner and former Director of Corporate, Intergovernmental and Strategic Commerce at the African Bar Association, Agbomhere is widely respected in the fields of natural resources law, marine policy, and institutional reform.

Also sworn in at the ceremony were Hon. Felix Ibhade (Executive Director of Projects), Mrs. Ivie Uwaifo (Executive Director of Administration), and Mrs. Khadija Yusuf (Executive Director of Finance), alongside 21 commissioners and senior officials appointed to various state agencies.

The new appointments are seen as part of a broader effort by the Okpebholo administration to strengthen governance capacity and address long-standing ecological vulnerabilities across Edo State.

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