The Federal Government and all 36 state governments have ordered a nationwide ban on mineral processing plants within residential areas, aiming to protect public health and the environment. The directive also legally requires plastic manufacturers and bottling companies to manage the entire lifecycle of their products.

These measures were announced in a communiqué following the 18th National Council on Environment (NCE) meeting in Katsina State, held from December 15–17, 2025. The meeting, chaired by Minister of Environment Balarabe Abbas Lawal, focused on tackling climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution for sustainable development.

“Polluter Pays” Policy

As part of the new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework, companies producing plastics and bottled products must now bear the financial responsibility for managing their waste. The policy shifts the burden of managing plastic waste—which contributes to urban flooding in cities like Lagos and Kano—from the government to the producers themselves.

Crackdown on Mining Hazards

Following reports of lead poisoning and environmental degradation, particularly in northern regions, the Council approved strict zoning restrictions. Mineral processing operations are now banned in residential areas across all states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Mercury and cyanide used in gold extraction must be replaced with safer alternatives, and mining companies are required to implement public health screening and Livelihood Restoration Plans before mine closures.

Decentralized Environmental Oversight

The Council also empowered states to play a more active role in environmental regulation. All states must establish Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) departments to conduct primary assessments and monitor industrial activities. States are to appoint EIA focal officers to coordinate with the Federal Ministry of Environment, which retains final approval authority to ensure uniform standards.

Other Key Resolutions

• Climate Change Assessments are now integrated into all EIA processes, especially in the Niger Delta.
• Implementation of a National Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) policy across all states.
• Training of rural women and youth in briquette production to curb deforestation.
• Establishment of Faecal Sludge Management Plants in all states to meet SDG 6 sanitation targets.
• New National Framework for managing used tyres.

Minister Lawal concluded the session by emphasizing that the era of mere “notations” is over, highlighting the strict enforcement of these policies to secure Nigeria’s environmental future.