The Federal Government, in collaboration with all 36 state governments, has endorsed far-reaching environmental reforms, including a nationwide prohibition on locating mineral processing facilities within residential neighbourhoods.
In addition, a binding legal directive has been issued requiring plastic producers and bottling companies to take full responsibility for the waste generated by their products across the country.
These decisions were captured in a communiqué released at the conclusion of the 18th National Council on Environment (NCE) meeting, which took place in Katsina State from December 15 to 17, 2025. The meeting was chaired by the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, and centred on the theme: “Tackling the Triple Planetary Crisis of Climate Change, Biodiversity Loss, and Pollution for Sustainable Development.”
Enforcing the ‘Polluter Pays’ Principle
As part of efforts to address worsening environmental pollution, the Council approved the compulsory implementation of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policy. Under this framework, manufacturers of plastics and bottled products are now legally obligated to oversee the entire life cycle of their goods, from production to disposal.
This marks a significant policy shift, as the financial and operational burden of managing plastic waste—widely blamed for recurrent flooding in major cities such as Lagos and Kano—will now rest with producers rather than government authorities or taxpayers.
Tough stance on mining-related risks
The Council also moved to confront the health and environmental dangers associated with poorly regulated mining activities. In response to recurring cases of lead poisoning and ecological damage, especially in the North and North-Central regions, strict zoning measures were approved.
As a result, mineral processing operations have been completely banned from residential areas in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The Council further directed the immediate replacement of hazardous substances such as mercury and cyanide in gold mining with safer alternatives to safeguard human and animal health.
To cushion the impact on affected communities, the Council approved routine public health screenings for residents of mining host areas. It also made the submission of “Livelihood Restoration Plans” compulsory before the closure of any mining site can be authorised.
Strengthening environmental enforcement at the state level
In a significant institutional reform, the Council resolved to decentralise aspects of environmental regulation by empowering states to play a more direct role. Each of the 36 states has now been mandated to establish an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) department within its Ministry of Environment.
Although the Federal Ministry of Environment will retain the authority to issue final EIA approvals to maintain national consistency, states will now conduct preliminary assessments and monitor industrial operations within their jurisdictions. To enhance coordination, states were instructed to immediately appoint designated EIA focal officers.
Additional resolutions
The Council also adopted several other technical measures. These include the incorporation of Climate Change Assessments into all EIA processes, with particular attention to the environmentally sensitive Niger Delta region.
On public health, the Council ordered the nationwide implementation of the National Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) policy. To combat deforestation, it approved programmes to train rural women and youths in briquette production as an alternative to firewood use.
Further decisions included approval for the establishment of Faecal Sludge Management Plants in all states to support the attainment of Sustainable Development Goal 6 on sanitation, as well as the adoption of a new national framework for the environmentally sound management of used tyres.
Bringing the session to a close, Minister Balarabe Abbas Lawal stressed that the era of mere policy pronouncements had ended, assuring that the resolutions of the 18th NCE would be strictly enforced to protect and secure Nigeria’s environmental future.