The GEF GOLD+ Nigeria Project aims to eliminate mercury pollution and promote sustainable, mercury-free artisanal gold mining across Nigeria.
The GEF GOLD+ Nigeria Project has officially commenced as the Federal Ministry of Environment inaugurated a national steering committee in Abuja to oversee efforts aimed at eradicating mercury pollution in Nigeria’s Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining (ASGM) sector.
This initiative represents a milestone in Nigeria’s pursuit of a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable mining industry.
Speaking at the inauguration, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Mahmud Adam Kambari, stated that the GEF GOLD+ Nigeria Project seeks to drastically reduce mercury use in gold mining across Niger,Kaduna, Zamfara, and Kebbi States, where artisanal mining is most prevalent.
He explained that the initiative would replace harmful mercury-based extraction methods with eco-friendly technologies, protecting both miners and local ecosystems.
Mercury, he warned, is a dangerous neurotoxin that contaminates water, soil, and food chains, posing severe risks to human health and the environment.
Kambari emphasized that Nigeria’s participation in the GEF GOLD+ Nigeria Project reaffirms the country’s commitment to international environmental standards, particularly as a signatory to the Minamata Convention on Mercury, a global treaty that aims to phase out mercury use and protect human health.
Highlighting Nigeria’s proactive stance, Kambari recalled that the country developed a National Action Plan (NAP) between 2017 and 2020 to reduce and eventually eliminate mercury use in artisanal mining.
The new GEF GOLD+ Nigeria Project builds on that foundation by providing technical and financial support for sustainable and responsible mining practices.
He explained that the project will help formalise artisanal miners, introducing safer processing methods and integrating them into formal value chains. By creating a transparent and responsible gold supply system, Nigeria aims to boost local economies and attract global investment in its mining sector.
According to the permanent secretary, the GEF GOLD+ Nigeria Project is not just an environmental initiative but also a tool for community development and economic empowerment. It seeks to create a sustainable balance between natural resource exploitation and environmental protection.
Through the adoption of mercury-free technologies, mining communities will benefit from cleaner air and water, healthier living conditions, and more stable livelihoods. Kambari stressed that the initiative would strengthen Nigeria’s position as a regional leader in sustainable mining governance and climate action.
The newly inaugurated Project Steering Committee will serve as the main advisory and oversight body for the project’s implementation. Members include representatives from relevant ministries, research institutions, development partners, and mining associations.
Their task is to provide strategic direction, expert guidance, and policy recommendations to ensure effective execution and alignment with national priorities.
Kambari urged the committee to maintain transparency, accountability, and collaboration throughout the project’s lifespan. He noted that the committee’s performance will determine the success of Nigeria’s broader environmental and economic transformation goals.
In his remarks, Professor Gilbert Adie, Executive Director of the Basel Convention Coordinating Centre for the African Region (BCCC-A), commended the Ministry for its leadership in advancing sustainable mining.
He said the GEF GOLD+ Nigeria Project forms part of a global initiative backed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented in partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
Professor Adie noted that the project’s overarching aim is to formalise artisanal and small-scale gold mining operations, reduce environmental degradation, and transition toward mercury-free technologies.
He emphasized that this effort would help miners access safer methods, improve productivity, and connect to international fair-trade gold markets.
Experts at the inauguration agreed that the GEF GOLD+ Nigeria Project represents a turning point in Nigeria’s approach to environmental governance and sustainable development.
By fostering collaboration between government institutions, local communities, and global partners, the project promises to build a healthier ecosystem and a greener mining economy.
Kambari concluded by reaffirming the Federal Government’s dedication to creating an environment where mining can thrive without compromising ecological safety.
“This project is a legacy investment in our people, our environment, and our future,” he said. “Through unity and innovation, Nigeria can lead Africa in responsible mining.”
More news at ireport247news
About the Author
