Lagos moves to curb environmental pollution from sand spillage

The Lagos State government, through the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (Office of Mineral Resources), has called on stakeholders in the mineral resources sector to avoid practices that can lead to environmental pollution.

It urged stakeholders to focus on minimizing the environmental hazards caused by sand spillage on roads.

Chairman of the House of Assembly Committee on Energy and Mineral Resources, Sabur Oluwa, at a stakeholders’ forum, cited relevant laws governing the solid minerals sector, and urged the stakeholders to comply.

Oluwa stressed the importance of stakeholders supporting the government’s initiatives aimed at safeguarding the state’s critical assets for the benefit of all residents.

According to him, it is expedient for stakeholders in the energy and mineral resources sector to comply with all guidelines, as well as collaborate with the regulators, in line with the THEMES plus agenda of the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led administration to ensure a safer environment for all.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Mineral Resources, Okanlawon Olowu, in his keynote address, emphasised the importance of proper coordination in mining operations to protect the environment.

Olowu noted that the meeting was to discuss strategies to develop Lagos’ mineral resources sector through responsible mining practices.

He said: “Permit me to recognise the indispensable role that mineral resources play in sustaining our existence and in powering the infrastructural development of our state.

“The minerals you mine serve as the foundation upon which our urban landscape is built. However, this meeting should be seen as an opportunity to harmonise the responsible management of mining and dredging operations, ensuring environmental stability and sustainability, while reducing the negative impact of mining to the barest minimum.”

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Engr. Abiola Kosegbe, urged participants to support the present administration’s drive towards promoting sustainable mining and minimising related environmental impacts.

The forum was attended by top government officials, traditional rulers, representatives from associations of dredgers, miners, truck operators, and other participants in the mineral resources sector who deliberated on how best to move the sector and the state forward.