The Nasarawa State Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources has raised alarm over the growing environmental and health risks posed by unregulated mining across the state.
Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Princess Margaret Elayo, issued the warning on Friday during a media briefing in Lafia, the state capital.
Elayo said the failure of relevant authorities to effectively regulate the influx of miners has resulted in widespread environmental degradation, affecting the health and agricultural livelihoods of host communities.
“The government recognizes the growing environmental challenges arising from unregulated mining activities, including erosion, deforestation, water pollution, and the loss of farmlands,” she said.
According to her, the state government is taking decisive steps to promote responsible and sustainable mining practices through stronger collaboration with miners, traditional institutions, and host communities.
“We are strengthening cooperation to ensure that mining activities are carried out in line with approved environmental standards,” she added.
Elayo disclosed that the ministry would soon commence a state-wide environmental inspection and monitoring exercise across all mining sites.
“This initiative is designed not to intimidate or punish operators but to guide them and ensure compliance with best environmental practices,” she explained.
She called on miners and community leaders to cooperate with government teams, adopt eco-friendly methods, and support efforts to restore degraded lands and protect water sources.
“The issue of unregulated mining activities supervised by federal authorities in the state is creating serious infractions, which may also fuel insecurity in mining areas,” the commissioner warned.
