The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Mineral Development in Plateau State is at the forefront of promoting environmental sustainability and mineral resource development, as highlighted by The Commissioner, Hon. Peter Kanang Gwom.
Hon. Peter Gwom made this known to Plateau Bloggers and Online Media (PLABOMA) during a recent press briefing at the Joseph Gomwalk Secretariat Jos, Plateau State.
Under the visionary leadership of Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, the Ministry has undergone significant restructuring, merging the former Ministry of Environment with the Ministry of Mineral Development. This merger emphasizes the relationship between environmental preservation and mineral resource utilization. This was done in November of 2023. Climate change has become a major concern, and it is critical for nations to emphasise their efforts in this area, that’s why Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang believed that climate change should be included in the Ministry’s name.
The Honorable Commissioner outlined the key achievements and ongoing initiatives of the Ministry’s departments, which include Environmental Assessment and Climate Change, Mines, Fields Surveillance, and Soil Conservation, Mineral Investments, Mineral Exploration and Gemstone Demological Services, Environmental Health, Sanitation, and Pollution Control, and Forestry.
Notable achievements include comprehensive climate change awareness campaigns across the 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs), the ongoing domestication of a climate change policy, and successful revenue generation through environmental stress charges and ecological levies.
Hon. Peter Gwom further outlined the Ministry’s concerted efforts in regulating tin mining activities, emphasizing the importance of mitigating environmental impacts while maximizing the benefits of mineral extraction.
He stated: “Through rigorous monitoring and enforcement, we are curbing illegal mining operations and implementing measures to prevent environmental degradation in tin mining areas.”
Furthermore, the Ministry, in collaboration with the Plateau Environmental Protection and Sanitation Agency (PEPSA), has spearheaded initiatives to ensure the cleanliness and sanitation of mining communities. The Commissioner highlighted PEPSA’s proactive measures, stating: “PEPSA has undertaken the refurbishment of waste management infrastructure and enhanced street cleaning services to maintain environmental integrity amidst rapid industrialization.”
In addition to regulatory efforts, the Ministry has actively engaged with mining communities and stakeholders to foster sustainable development practices.
Hon. Peter Gwom emphasized the importance of community-driven approaches, saying “We are working closely with mining communities to promote responsible resource management and conflict resolution.”
As Plateau State continues to harness its mineral wealth for socio-economic advancement, the Ministry remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting sustainable mining practices and safeguarding the natural environment.
With Governor Mutfwang’s unwavering support and the dedication of all stakeholders, Plateau State is poised to emerge as a model of responsible mineral resource management and environmental sustainability in Nigeria.
