The Nasarawa State House of Assembly Committee on Environment has directed the ministry of environment to compile and make available the names of mining sites.

The Chairman of the committee, Mohammed Omadefu, gave the directive when the management of the ministry and the State Waste Management Board, appeared before it on their 2024 budget performance on Monday in Lafia.

Mr Omadefu said that the knowledge of the mining sites was necessary, following reports of alleged illegal mining in the state.

He said that furnishing the committee with names of mining sites would enable the committee to tackle illegal mining and promote peace in the state.

The chairman assured the ministry of the committee’s support to succeed. He urged the board to ensure constant evacuation of refuse across the state.

According to him, this will ensure a clean environment and general wellbeing of the people of the state.

He said, “A healthy nation is a wealthy nation, hence the need for the board to be up and doing in ensuring environmental cleanliness. We have invited you to know your board’s 2024 budget performance for the first quarter. We will continue to support and synergise with you to take the board to a greater height.”

Earlier, the Secretary of the board, Christopher Abari, appreciated the committee and the state government for prioritising the board’s activities.

Mr Abari assured of the board’s continued readiness to ensure evacuation of refuse dumped at different parts in the state, to ensure a clean and healthy environment.

“We are doing our best in keeping the environment clean across the state. By God’s grace, we will ensure constant evacuation of refuse in the state,” he said.

While defending its 2024 budget performance, the management of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, led by the Commissioner, Kwanta Yakubu, told the committee that it had started the planting of 50,000 trees across the state.

He said, “One of our major achievements has been the launch of the Green Initiative Programme, which has already resulted in the planting of over 50,000 trees across the state. The programme aims at combating deforestation and enhancing biodiversity, ensuring that natural habitats are preserved for years to come.’’

He appreciated the committee and the state governor, Abdullahi Sule, for supporting the activities of the ministry to succeed.

The commissioner said that the ministry made significant strides at implementing policies that promoted sustainable development and environmental protection.

(NAN)