Hon. Peter Kanang Gwom, the Plateau State Commissioner of Environment, Climate Change, and Mineral Development, has raised concerns over the lingering environmental damage caused by mining activities in the state.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ forum on reorganizing the mining sector for revenue generation, held at the Twin Theatre, Government House, Jos, Hon. Gwom emphasized the deep historical ties Plateau has with Nigeria’s mining industry. However, he lamented that the state’s contributions have left it with environmental scars in the form of hazardous ponds.
Hon. Gwom described the numerous abandoned mining ponds scattered across the state as “death traps” that endanger lives in surrounding communities. He expressed frustration that while minerals extracted from Plateau have contributed to the development of other nations, the state has been left with significant environmental and safety challenges. “These ponds are a constant reminder of the price we have paid for our mineral wealth,” he said, calling for immediate reclamation efforts to restore the land and protect residents.
In addition to the environmental risks, the commissioner pointed out the financial disparity within the mining sector. Despite Plateau’s rich deposits of minerals, the state has not benefited proportionally in terms of revenue. Gwom stressed that the time had come to not only address the environmental impacts of mining but also to reorganize the sector in a way that boosts the state’s income while safeguarding its natural resources.
Hon. Gwom stated that a collaborative approach is essential to develop a roadmap that ensures sustainable development while balancing economic growth and environmental protection.
Hon. Gwom urged stakeholders to prioritize the health and safety of local communities in any future mining activities, stressing the importance of reclaiming land affected by past mining operations.
Earlier on, The Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has initiated key steps to revitalize the state’s mining sector. he highlighted the urgent need to fully harness the state’s mineral resources to improve its financial standing.
The governor expressed his concerns about the history of mining in Plateau State, pointing out that despite the large-scale extraction of minerals, the state often saw minimal returns, with only about N500 million being declared annually. He emphasized the need for a clear strategy to ensure transparency and fairness in mining activities, ensuring that all stakeholders benefit appropriately from the sector.
Governor Mutfwang also stressed the importance of maintaining control over the state’s resources. He called on security personnel to remain vigilant against illegal mining and to act with patriotism, safeguarding the state’s natural wealth for the benefit of its citizens.
As discussions continue, the focus remains on exploring opportunities for Plateau to fully capitalize on its vast mineral resources without repeating the environmental mistakes of the past.
