The Rural Women Energy Security (RUWES) Initiative proudly joined national stakeholders in advancing the GEF-GOLD+ Nigeria Project, a strategic intervention aimed at eliminating mercury use in artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) and promoting safer, cleaner, and more sustainable mining practices across the country.
This milestone event brought together key government agencies, international partners, and state representatives committed to reducing mercury pollution and strengthening community resilience.
Leadership and Technical Contributions
The programme featured a distinguished lineup of speakers and contributors:
Alhaji Mahmud Adam Kambari, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Environment, delivered the keynote address, underscoring Nigeria’s commitment to transitioning away from mercury-dependent mining practices and strengthening the National Action Plan on Mercury Management.
Engr. Dr. (Mrs.) Bahijjahtu Abubakar, FNSE, Director of Pollution Control & Environmental Health (PC&EH), presented the welcome remark, emphasizing the urgency of adopting mercury-free technologies, formalizing the mining sector, and protecting vulnerable populations.
Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of UNIDO and state delegates from Kaduna, Niger, Zamfara, and Kebbi States, highlighting their readiness to collaborate and scale up environmentally responsible mining initiatives.
RUWES Representation
RUWES was ably represented by its Head of Secretariat (HOS), Jumaima Ella, who attended alongside the RUWES technical team. The delegation reaffirmed RUWES’ dedication to:
- Supporting mercury-free mining technologies
- Enhancing community awareness on environmental health
- Strengthening women’s participation and safety in mining-affected areas
- Promoting clean energy alternatives that reduce environmental and health risks
Advancing the Minamata Convention in Nigeria
The GEF-GOLD+ Nigeria Project directly supports the implementation of the Minamata Convention on Mercury, focusing on:
- Sector formalization
- Improved access to finance
- Deployment of mercury-free mining technologies
- Reduction of mercury emissions and contamination
- Protection of public health and local livelihoods
Through strong partnerships and community-driven action, the project aims to reduce mercury pollution, protect ecosystems, and advance sustainable economic growth in mining communities.
