Ministries, Partners Strategise Against Mercury Pollution

The Federal Ministry of Environment in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) is working towards achieving direct reduction of excess emissions and release of mercury into the environment from Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining (ASGM) activities in Nigeria.

The minister of environment, Balarabe Lawal, during an inception workshop organised at the weekend in Abuja to enhance the formalisation of a mercury-free gold in Nigeria,  they were collaborating to forge a future where Nigeria’s gold resources are harnessed responsibly, without compromising the health of the people or the integrity of the environment

The minister who was represented by the ministry’s permanent secretary, Mahmud Adam Kambari, said the artisanal and small-scale gold mining sector represents a notable contributor to Nigeria’s economy.

He said it offers livelihoods to many, but, was worried that the sector presents a complex challenge due to the widespread use of mercury, which he added had been identified as a potent neurotoxin with devastating consequences for human health and the environment.

“Mercury is a highly toxic substance that can contaminate water sources and soil, leading to serious environmental and health problems. It can bioaccumulate in the food chain, leading to long-term health effects in humans and wildlife. In addition, mercury pollution can persist in the environment for decades, causing harm to ecosystems and biodiversity,” he stated.

Lawal revealed that Nigeria, as a signatory to the Minamata Convention on Mercury, demonstrated its commitment by developing a National Action Plan (NAP) for the reduction and eventual elimination of mercury use in Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining (ASGM) in Nigeria between 2017 and 2020.