Victor Ayeni
The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (Office of Mineral Resources), has called on stakeholders in the sector to avoid practices that can lead to environmental pollution and minimise hazards caused by sand spillage on roads.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Mineral Resources, Okanlawon Olowu, said this, according to a statement signed by the Deputy Director, Public Affairs Unit of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Mrs Adetola Idowu, on Saturday.
Addressing stakeholders during a forum organised by the ministry in Alausa, Ikeja, on Friday, Olowu noted that the meeting was aimed at discussing 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 infrastructure development of our dear 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.”
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Abiola Kosegbe, appealed to participants to support the state government’s “drive towards promoting sustainable mining and minimising related environmental impacts in Lagos State.”
Citing relevant laws governing the solid minerals sector, the Chairman of the state House of Assembly’s Committee on Energy and Mineral Resources, Sabur Oluwa, called on stakeholders to comply with them and support the government’s initiatives aimed at safeguarding the state’s critical assets for the benefit of residents.
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