PESMDAA decries mining impact on environment

The Petroleum, Environment and Solid Minerals Degradation Awareness Association (PESMDAA) on Wednesday, expressed concern over the worsening environmental degradation in solid mineral-producing regions across the country.

The association also inaugurated a dedicated task force to enhance its efforts in combating environmental degradation caused by resource extraction.

The Chairman of PESMDAA, Dr. Robert Adah, disclosed this in Abuja, during the national inauguration of States and Local Government Awareness Task Force Officers, emphasising the association’s commitment to raising awareness about the environmental impacts of petroleum and solid mineral extraction.

The event, themed “Sensitization to Eliminate Degradation and Irregularities in the Petroleum and Solid Minerals Sectors,” highlighted the urgent need to address the ecological damage caused by these industries.

The PESMDAA chairman called on the stakeholders to adopt sustainable practices and enforce stricter regulations to mitigate the environmental crisis.

Adah said, “The petroleum industry has long been a cornerstone of our economy, providing energy and employment. However, it also poses significant environmental risks that must be managed responsibly.

“Similarly, the solid minerals sector holds immense potential for economic growth but has often been marred by irregularities that compromise both our environment and the livelihoods of local communities.

“Our association is founded on the belief that awareness and continuous sensitisation are powerful tools for change. We are here to promote understanding of the environmental impacts of our industries and to advocate for practices that protect our natural heritage.”

He stressed that the newly inaugurated task force officers would play a pivotal role in ensuring accountability and promoting sustainable practices in the sectors.

In his remarks, the Cross River State Commissioner of PESMDAA, Mr. Obla Justin Wonah, highlighted the importance of decentralized action to address environmental degradation and outlined plans to inaugurate local government task force officers in Cross River State

He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to creating awareness and mobilise communities to adopt sustainable practices and reduce environmental degradation in resource-producing areas.

Wonah said: “I’m heading back to Cross River State to conduct an inauguration for all communities and local government executives. In every local government, I expect a minimum of 30 persons to be inaugurated in the presence of the state governor.”

Earlier in his address, Abia State Commissioner of PESMDAA, Chief Emeka Njoka, echoed the need for widespread awareness and mobilization at the local level to curb environmental damage and irregularities.

Njoka assured that the task force would collaborate with stakeholders to enforce accountability and involve affected communities in conservation efforts.

He said, “After today’s inauguration, we will move to our respective states to set up similar structures. While 15 state commissioners have been inaugurated today, plans are underway to establish task forces in other states.”