By Abdullahi Lukman
The Petroleum, Environment and Solid Minerals Degradation Awareness Association (PESMDAA) has sounded the alarm over increasing environmental degradation caused by petroleum and solid mineral extraction across Nigeria.
Speaking at the inauguration of the association’s Bauchi State and local governments executives on May 27, 2025, in Bauchi, National Chairman Dr. Robert Adah—represented by Dr. James Ugah, Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees—stressed the urgent need for awareness and advocacy to tackle the environmental harm caused by resource exploitation.
Adah highlighted the dual impact of the petroleum and solid minerals sectors: while they are economically vital, they also carry significant environmental risks.
He described the solid minerals industry as marred by irregularities and unsustainable practices, threatening both ecosystems and community well-being.
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“Our association is founded on the belief that awareness and continuous sensitisation are powerful tools for change,” he stated.
The event carried the theme: “Sensitisation to Eliminate Degradation and Irregularities in the Petroleum and Solid Minerals Sectors.”
Bauchi State’s Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu—represented by Deputy Commissioner Mohammed Hassan—emphasised the need for collaboration between government, industry, and civil society to enforce regulations, invest in sustainable practices, and protect environmental health.
Mr. Yusuf Ishiyaku, the newly inaugurated State Commissioner of PESMDAA, reaffirmed the association’s commitment to grassroots engagement.
He announced plans to extend awareness campaigns to public spaces including schools, markets, churches, and mosques to mobilise broad community participation in environmental protection.
