Environmental advocates and stakeholders have called for immediate action from the Federal Government of Nigeria (FG) to enforce existing laws targeting illegal mining activities and rampant deforestation that continue to threaten the nation’s natural resources, ecosystems, and communities.
In a statement issued today, environmental groups emphasized that illegal mining, especially in ecologically sensitive areas, has become a major source of environmental degradation. Mining operations without proper licenses are leading to soil erosion, contamination of water sources, and the destruction of habitats for wildlife. Furthermore, deforestation is escalating due to illegal logging and land clearance for agriculture and mining activities, exacerbating the effects of climate change and the loss of biodiversity.
"Despite the existence of laws to regulate mining and protect forests, illegal activities continue to flourish in many regions. We are witnessing irreversible damage to our environment, with detrimental consequences for future generations," said Nnena Okoro, a spokesperson for the Nigerian Environmental Action Network. "The government must demonstrate its commitment to sustainable development by enforcing these laws more effectively and holding violators accountable."
The call for stronger enforcement of environmental laws follows growing concerns over the country's environmental sustainability, economic health, and the well-being of communities that depend on these resources for survival. According to recent studies, the damage caused by illegal mining and deforestation is contributing to severe flooding, loss of agricultural productivity, and an increase in poverty in affected regions.
Experts have stressed the need for comprehensive monitoring systems and collaboration between local authorities, security forces, and environmental organizations to ensure that these activities are brought under control. "There is a growing need for stricter monitoring, use of technology to track illegal activities, and a more effective justice system to bring perpetrators to justice," said Dr. Oluwaseun Adebayo, a professor of Environmental Science at the University of Lagos.