The Women Miners in Nigeria (WMIN) have urged the federal government to enforce strict compliance with the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) law, calling it a necessary measure to curb environmental degradation caused by mining activities.
Speaking in Abuja during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), National President of the association, Mrs Janet Adeyemi, stressed the need for mining companies to submit EIA reports before beginning any operations.
“Before any mining activity begins, companies should be made to submit an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) as mandated by law,” Adeyemi said.
She explained that enforcing this provision would help reduce pollution and environmental hazards in host communities.
“This will help in addressing environmental pollution in mining communities across states in Nigeria,” she added.
According to Adeyemi, while Nigeria has robust legal frameworks in place for the mining sector, regional enforcement remains uneven, especially in areas affected by illegal mining.
“Enforcement is a major problem, especially with illegal miners. Many illegal operators work without any form of coordination,” she said. “The only solution is to continue enforcing regulations and educating people on the devastating effects of illegal mining on the ecosystem.”
She called for heavy penalties on violators to serve as deterrents, noting that environmental protection must be backed by consequences.
“The government must ensure strict enforcement and impose heavy sanctions on those caught violating the laws,” Adeyemi said.
In addition to EIA compliance, she advocated for companies to submit Environmental Sustainability Governance (ESG) reports, which reflect broader environmental and ethical responsibilities.
She also suggested Nigeria should consider adopting a version of the United States’ Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA) to enhance the country’s resilience against mining-related pollution of water sources.
“We should adopt AWIA certification in Nigeria to promote responsible mining. It is essential because the consequences of mining can be devastating,” Adeyemi stressed.
