By Femi Akinola
The Federal Government of Nigeria has said called on mining operators across the country to ensure their operations is done in a sustainable manner so that the nation’s environment is not adversely affected.
Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Iziaq Salako made the call on Thursday in Ibese, Ogun State, while on familiarisation visit to Dangote Cement Plant located in Yewa area of the state.
The visit was followed by community engagement preparatory to the Expert Panel Review of the report on Environmental Impact Assessment carried out on coal mining at the plant.
While addressing the management and workers at the company’s premises, the minister pointed out that positively the mining sector has huge potential to develop the nation’s economy but said there are many challenges associated with mining activities.
He said, “ So, for us in the Ministry of Environment, it means we must also sit up. Miming as it come with its challenges, we must be up and doing, as we expand the economy and grow Nigeria. We should also do it in a sustainable manner so that the environment is not affected.
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“We must continue in that respect to ensure that best practices are always promoted, environmental and social impact assessments are properly carried out, the stakeholders are properly involved, and the environment is properly protected so that our growth can be sustainable.
The minister commended the leading role being played by the Dangote Group to compliment government’s efforts to diversify the nation’s economy and the company’s dedication to promotion of best practices in all its operations.
“Dangote Industries as a whole is an international conglomerate and l am happy that the company is at the forefront of promoting best practices in terms of conception, planning, implementation, management of factories that are manufacturers like this, “ Salako declare.
He said it was for this reason that Dangote Cement should be commended for the huge cement plant which is creating jobs and opportunities for export adding that limestone mining activities which was a key raw material in cement manufacturing, is one such area that attention of the government is shifted to.
While speaking during the familiarisation visit, Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented by the State Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Ola Oresanya, noted that Ogun State is a beneficiary of Dangote Cement presence with the amount of levies and taxes.
He called for more collaboration between the state agencies and the company.
