Scientists Advocate Efficient Environmental Impact Management at Nigerian Mining Sites
By Salifu Faridat
Scientists from the Environmental Process and Forensic Research Group (ENPROFORG) at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, are urging for improved management of environmental impacts at mining sites in Nigeria.
During a recent symposium and stakeholders meeting themed “Role of Environmental Forensics in the Efficient Management of Environmental Impacts of Mining in Nigeria,” the group highlighted the lack of compliance with environmental impact assessments at various mining sites across the country.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sunday Elom, represented by Prof. Abel Ezeoha, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, expressed the university’s commitment to contributing to society’s progress, especially in the mining sector, and appreciated ENPROFORG’s work.
Prof. Amobi Ekwe presented on “Mining of Solid Minerals – Economic Benefits and the Environmental Conundrum,” stressing the importance of addressing the negative effects of mining on the environment, society, health, and governance to ensure sustainable economic benefits.
Dr. Onyekachi Eni, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Law, discussed “Impediments to Implementation of Polluter-Pays Principle in Nigeria’s Extractive Industry,” emphasizing the need to hold polluters accountable for cleanup.
Dr. Peter Okoli spoke on “Chemistry in the Courtroom – Isotope Finger Printing as Forensic Tool for Managing Environmental Pollution in Nigeria,” shedding light on environmental pollution challenges in various mining sites and the challenges of holding mining companies accountable for compensation.
To tackle these issues, Okoli recommended the use of Isotope finger printing as a forensic tool for managing environmental pollution, based on collected samples from different mining sites.
The symposium aimed to draw attention to the urgent need for efficient environmental impact management in Nigeria’s mining sector and underscored the significance of scientific research and forensic tools in effectively addressing environmental challenges.