Nigeria, UNIDO, and Partners Unite to Drive Mercury-Free Gold Mining Revolution

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, the Basel Convention Coordinating Centre for Africa, and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) have jointly launched the Project Steering Committee of the GEF-GOLD+ Initiative in Nigeria.

The project, “Enhancing Formalization of Mercury-Free Gold in Nigeria,” marks a major milestone in the country’s commitment to eliminate mercury use in artisanal and small-scale gold mining, promote cleaner technologies, protect public health, and foster sustainable economic growth.

In her inaugural address, Mrs. Bahidja Abubakar (representing the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Mahmood Adam Kambari) highlighted Nigeria’s dedication to the global fight against mercury pollution through the Minamata Convention. She emphasized that Nigeria has already laid a strong foundation with its National Action Plan (NAP), and that the new GEF-GOLD+ Project builds upon this progress to fully eliminate mercury use in artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM).

“It is with immense satisfaction and a profound sense of responsibility that I stand before you today to formally inaugurate the Project Steering Committee for the GEF-GOLD Plus Nigeria Project, Enhancing the Formalisation of Mercury-Free Gold in Nigeria. You will recall that Nigeria, as a signatory and party to the Minamata Convention on Mercury, has demonstrated its commitment by developing a National Action Plan for the reduction and eventual elimination of mercury use in artisanal and small-scale gold mining between 2017 and 2020. This initiative was undertaken to implement Article 7 of the Minamata Convention concerning the use of mercury in ASGM.”

She also highlighted the grave environmental and health threats posed by mercury pollution, noting that emissions from small-scale mining contribute significantly to global contamination.

“The issue of mercury pollution, particularly within the artisanal and small-scale gold mining sector, presents a significant and pressing challenge to our environment and the health and well-being of our citizens. It is noteworthy that mercury pollution from ASGM contributes approximately 37% of global mercury emissions.”

Mrs. Abubakar outlined the GEF-GOLD+ Project’s strategic approach, emphasizing formalization, access to finance, and the adoption of mercury-free technologies to transform Nigeria’s gold mining landscape.

“The GEF-GOLD Plus Nigeria Project is strategically designed to address this challenge comprehensively through a multi-faceted approach encompassing the promotion of formalisation, improved access to financial resources, and facilitation of the adoption of sustainable mercury-free technologies within the mining sector.”

She further explained the role of the newly inaugurated Project Steering Committee (PSC) in providing leadership, technical guidance, and oversight throughout the project.

“The Project Steering Committee will bear the crucial responsibility of providing strategic guidance and actionable recommendations to effectively support the project’s overarching objectives. Furthermore, the PSC will play a vital role in contributing to informed decision-making processes by offering expert advice, pertinent insights and diverse perspectives, while facilitating seamless communication and robust collaboration among all relevant stakeholders.”

In closing, Mrs. Abubakar called on all PSC members to dedicate themselves fully to the project’s goals.

“I earnestly urge all distinguished members of this PSC to approach this important task with unwavering dedication, utmost diligence, and a strong spirit of collaboration and mutual respect. Your collective contributions will undoubtedly shape the future trajectory of gold mining in Nigeria and contribute significantly to a healthier, more sustainable and more prosperous environment for all.”

The Director and UNIDO Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ambassador Philbert Johnson, reaffirmed UNIDO’s collaboration with the Nigerian government and partners to ensure successful implementation of mercury-free gold mining practices.

“UNIDO is committed to partner with the Federal Minister of Environment, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, and the Basel Convention Coordinating Centre for Africa, in advancing the implementation of Nigeria’s National Action on Liquor, developed under the Minamata Convention. This project marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to promote a cleaner, safer, more sustainable, and more small-scale gold mining sector.”

He emphasized that the GEF-GOLD+ Project is a key step toward eliminating mercury use in artisanal and small-scale gold mining, addressing both environmental and health hazards caused by unsafe mining practices.

“The JF-GOO Plus Project, titled Enhancing Formalization of Mercury-Free Gold in Nigeria, represents a vital opportunity to address one of the most pressing environmental and public health challenges associated with the use of mercury in artisanal mining. The adoption of poor mining practices and the use of mercury in gold recovery processes has generated serious environmental contamination that could lead to liver and kidney diseases.”

The project’s multifaceted approach formalization, financing, cleaner technologies, and traceable supply chains was also highlighted.

“By promoting formalization, improving access to finance, introducing mercury-free technologies, and strengthening traceability in gold supply chains, this project will help protect human health, safeguard ecosystems, and foster inclusive economic growth. As the Project Steering Committee is inaugurated today, UNIDO wishes to reaffirm its full support for the successful implementation of the project activities. We are confident that through collaborative effort, innovation, and shared commitment, Nigeria will make significant progress towards achieving a mercury-free artisanal gold mining sector.”

UNIDO placed the project within the framework of its Country Partnership Programme with Nigeria (2024–2028), linking it to Sustainable Development Goals and long-term national priorities.

“These projects we are discussing today will therefore be delivered within the framework of the PCP. The programme for country partnership has six major components industrial policy and strategic governance; startups and MSME development; special economic zones and clusters; value chain development in agriculture and minerals; sustainable energy and environmental management; and trade capacity building. The project also contributes directly to Sustainable Development Goals 9, 12, and 13 on industry, responsible consumption and production, and climate action, respectively.”

On behalf of Eng Dr Mrs B Abubakar, Director Pollution Control and Environmental Health, Federal Ministry of Environment, Mrs Omotunde Adeola emphasized the inauguration of the PSC as a critical moment in Nigeria’s commitment to addressing mercury pollution.

“It is with considerable pleasure that I extend a warm welcome to you all to this inaugural meeting and the inauguration of the Project Steering Committee for the GEF Gold Plus Nigeria project, Enhancing the Formalization of Mercury-Free Gold in Nigeria. Ladies and gentlemen, today marks a significant milestone in our collective endeavor to address the critical issue of mercury utilization within the artisanal and small-scale gold mining sector in Nigeria. The Pollution Control and Environmental Health Department of the Federal Ministry of Environment recognizes the imperative need to mitigate the environmental and public health hazards associated with mercury, and we are resolute and committed to fostering sustainable solutions.”

She stressed that the project’s outcomes will extend beyond the pilot states, contributing to Nigeria’s broader sustainable development agenda.

“This project, with a strategic focus on formalization, enhanced access to finance, and the adoption of mercury-free technologies, is of paramount importance not only for the participating states of Niger, Kaduna, Zamfara, and Kebbi, but ultimately for the sustainable development of our entire nation.”

Mrs. Adeola also highlighted the importance of collaboration and expertise in driving project success.

“We have assembled a diverse and highly capable group of individuals and organizations, each possessing unique and valuable expertise and perspectives. Your insightful contributions will be instrumental in guiding the project towards the successful realization of its objective. I am confident that through robust collaborative efforts, we can create a sustainable and environmentally responsible gold mining sector in Nigeria.”

Ahmed Bah Ibrahim, in his presentation on enhancing formalization and mercury-free gold in Nigeria, noted that mercury (“Makery”) is a global pollutant heavily used in artisanal small-scale gold mining. The project aims to formalize this sector to reduce mercury emissions, prevent environmental contamination, and maximize economic benefits.

“Formalizing the sector is therefore crucial for maximizing its economic benefits, implementing modern environmental standards, and fundamentally reducing and eliminating Makery use. This aligns with the global commitment to sustainable development and responsible mining practice.”

He highlighted alignment with Nigeria’s obligations under the Minamata Convention.

“The Minamata Convention on Makery is a global treaty where so many countries are party to, including Nigeria. The objective of this treaty is to protect human health and the environment from anthropogenic emissions and releases of Makery… Nigeria became a party to the Convention on 1 February 2018, and we have gone a long way in implementing the Convention by implementing so many projects.”

Ahmed outlined the project’s objectives and components, emphasizing a holistic, multi-sectoral approach.

“The project objective is to reduce the use of mercury in the ASBM sector in participating states through a holistic multisectoral integrated formalization approach. The project aims to increase access to finance and adoption of sustainable mercury-free technologies in the accessible gold supply chain.”

He also explained the implementation structure and partnerships.

“The four executing agencies, with the support of this committee, will be responsible for overseeing the project implementation and will also offer strategic guidance and recommendations to support the project’s objectives. The project reporting format is biannual, and reports are also submitted to the global Planet Gold platform.”

Finally, Ahmed addressed the project’s global and national scope and timeline.

“The project aims to support countries in meeting their commitments under the Minamata Convention with a concrete target of directly reducing 123 tons of mining emissions or releases from the ASBM sector. The project duration is five years, but it is already two years behind schedule there might be room for the project to apply for an extension.”

Nigeria, UNIDO, and Partners Unite to Drive Mercury-Free Gold Mining Revolution

Tuggar Tasks Foreign Service graduates to and debunk negative religious narratives

By: Michael Mike

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar has charged newly graduating Foreign Service officers on the need to project the country’s image while at the same time debunking the ongoing negative narratives about the state religious persecution.

Tuggar gave the charge on Tuesday at the closing ceremony of the 26th Regular Course of the Foreign Service Academy in Abuja.

He said: “For our Foreign Service, this imposes a clear mandate: to project the narrative of a reformed, confident, and forward-looking Nigeria. Our missions must serve as economic outposts, actively promoting investment, trade, and technological cooperation in every host country.

“You must also debunk false narratives at every opportunity, such as the ongoing campaign against the Nigerian state alleging religious persecution.”

He also reminded them of sections 10, 38 and 42 of the country’s Constitution that make it impossible “to have a state religion, guarantee freedom of religion, and prohibit religious and ethnic discrimination.”

He added: “Explain that our judicial system has secular courts of appeal and constitutional override to set aside rulings and judgements of first instance courts if they infringe on any citizen’s rights. Tell them that our state governments do not have blasphemy laws. “What they have are breach of peace or incitement offences to prevent communal violence, necessary in a multi-ethnic, multi-religious nation of 230 million souls.”

The Minister also informed the graduates their expected role in the ongoing reforms under President Bola Tinubu, stating that: “Complementing these domestic reforms, our foreign policy is now a pediment of strategic autonomy sitting atop the 4 Diplomatic pillars of Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora—which serve as the compass for Nigeria’s global engagement. This doctrine reinforces our commitment to good governance and the rule of law, shared prosperity through innovation, the immense potential of our youthful population, and a vibrant diaspora that projects Nigeria’s excellence across the world. Together, these four pillars form a people-centred and forward-looking framework that defines Nigeria’s renewed voice and influence on the world stage.

“We must avoid over-alignment because it creates threats in our region. Strategic Autonomy is sophisticated statecraft, not wanton opportunism. We must reject binary ideological alignments and focus on issues-based relationships as defined by our foreign policy objectives and national aspirations.”

The Minister also disclosed that the process of reviewing the curriculum of the Foreign Service Academy has commenced, adding the review, Tuggar is to reflect the current global realities.

He noted that we are in an era where diplomacy itself is being redefined.

The Minister stressed that the world has become more interconnected, and international relations more complex, driven by technology, data, and artificial intelligence.

He noted that the Foreign Service is a profession that demands patriotism, integrity and most importantly, competence, stressing that: “In this regard, and following my recent visit to the permanent site of the Foreign Service Academy in Badagry, I am pleased to announce that the process of reviewing the curriculum to reflect these global realities has commenced.”

He explained: “We live in an era where diplomacy itself is being redefined. The world has become more interconnected, and international relations more complex, driven by technology, data, and artificial intelligence.

“The Foreign Service is a calling to represent Nigeria’s dignity and aspirations. Every word you speak, every negotiation you enter, and every decision you are part of, will project the image of this great country.”

He also added that the Ministry has created the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Desk in recognition of the evolving world.

According to him: “It is in recognition of this evolving reality that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently created a dedicated Artificial Intelligence (AI) Desk and hosted a seminar on Artificial Intelligence in Modern Diplomacy. These initiatives are part of our broader commitment to ensuring that Nigerian diplomacy remains forward-looking, adaptive, and competitive.”

He also reminded the graduates that “the Foreign Service entails a lifetime of learning. You must keep reading and improving yourselves. Each assignment will teach you something new about nations, about humanity, and about yourself. I urge you to embrace this journey with humility, curiosity and discipline.

“Your diplomatic life will know no limits if you look beyond postings and protocol assignments and aim to be innovative, resilient and purpose-driven.”

The Minister also disclosed that the Ministry has commenced a review process of its Station Charters “to set new, contemporary performance targets that reflect modern diplomatic demands. “Our goal is to derive greater value from Nigeria’s presence in over 109 countries, not just through political engagement, but also through human capital development, business process outsourcing, local minerals processing, and trade facilitation.”

He noted that the country’s diplomats “must understand their role within the framework of the Regional Partnership for Democracy (RPD), an initiative championed by President Tinubu to strengthen democratic institutions, promote stability, and address the root causes of insecurity across West Africa. As representatives of Nigeria, you will serve on the front lines of this task, helping build coalitions to protect democracy and development in our region. Bear in mind that RPD recognises the variable geometry of Democracy- it’s different forms and speeds of application, especially in our region and our continent.”

The minister also used the opportunity to reaffirm the government’s commitment to ensuring that the Foreign Service Academy returns to its permanent site in Badagry, Lagos. Discussions are ongoing to secure partnerships and funding through both public–private collaboration and development partners to make this a reality.”

He equally urged the National Assembly to accelerate the passage of the Foreign Service Commission Bill, which will provide the legal framework necessary to strengthen the Academy’s autonomy, attract partnerships, and expand its capacity to train not only Nigerians but diplomats across brotherly countries in Africa.

Tuggar Tasks Foreign Service graduates to and debunk negative religious narratives

EU Declares Nigeria Matters to Us

… Reiterates Commitment to Strengthen Long Standing Partnership

By: Michael Mike

The Chairman of the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, David MacAllister on Monday declared the importance of Nigeria to the bloc, stating that Nigeria “matters” to us.

He also reiterated the bloc’s commitment to strengthening its long-standing partnership with Africa’s largest democracy, Nigeria.

MacAllister, who led a six-member European Parliament delegation on an official visit to Nigeria on Monday, after a meeting with the Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar disclosed that their mission to Nigeria was designed to deepen mutual understanding, explore new areas of collaboration, and reinforce political and economic ties between both sides.

He said: “We are a delegation of the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, We are six members in total from five different countries, from three different political groups in the European Parliament. And this shows a cross-party interest in further deepening and strengthening the relations between the European Union and Nigeria.”

MacAllister while describing Nigeria as a strategic partner whose influence on the continent and beyond makes it an indispensable ally in shaping Africa–EU relations, said: “Nigeria is considered as a strategic partner for the European Union. “We have a long-lasting, good and close relationship based on shared values and also on joint interests.”

He noted that the visit was part of the Parliament’s tradition of engaging directly with partner nations to better understand their challenges and opportunities.

He said: “The European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee travels with smaller delegations a few times a year to other parts of the world,” adding that: “We mainly travel to get to know better the countries, to understand better the challenges these countries are facing, and also the opportunities these countries have. And we are also there to very carefully listen.”

MacAllister while expressing appreciation to Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs for hosting the delegation, noted that their discussion was insightful and covered a broad range of regional and global issues.

He said: “It was a great honour for us to be received by the Honourable Minister. His Excellency took more than one and a half hours of his precious time to really go into detail with many, many questions we had as regards the further development of the African Union, the further development of ECOWAS, and the developments in all neighbouring countries of Nigeria.”

He said the dialogue also reflected a shared interest in understanding the trajectories of both regions, stating that: “The Minister was also very interested in finding out how the further developments of the European Union will look like.”

He said: “Because just like Nigeria, just like ECOWAS, we in the European Union, of course, are also facing enormous challenges.”

He reaffirmed that Nigeria remains a vital partner in Europe’s engagement with Africa, stating that: “To sum up in one sentence — Nigeria matters. Nigeria matters for us in the European Union, and we in the European

Parliament are very keen to deepen the strategic partnership with Nigeria. And this will be our message when we go back home to Brussels.”

Responding, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, welcomed the lawmakers to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, describing the European Union as a critical partner in trade, security, and development.

He said: “Any visit from the European Union has to be considered very important because Europe still remains our largest trading partner,” adding that: “Figures may vary, but it is not less than 31.8 billion euros.”

He described Europe and Africa as “natural neighbours,” emphasizing that geography should unite rather than separate the two continents.

He said: “For those who understand a bit of Latin, ‘Mediterranean’ means ‘water in the middle of land. So where Europe is concerned in its relations to Africa, what we have is water in the middle of land—we are closer than we imagine.”

He noted that Nigeria’s partnership with the EU extends beyond trade, touching on regional stability, food security, and job creation.

Tuggar said: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu emphasizes food security as his number one priority because we are a nation of 230 million people, expected to become 400 million by 2050. We are in a race against time to create jobs, feed our people, and ensure our population is healthy.”

He added that Nigeria’s recent inclusion as the 77th shareholder of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development reflects its commitment to global economic cooperation.

He saud: “We have a lot of lessons to learn from the European Union, which itself is still integrating. It gives us hope and serves as a model that we seek to emulate. We will continue to strengthen our collaboration with the EU in all areas.”

Other members of the European Parliament delegation included Christophe Thomas (France), Jaliana Lefebvre (Croatia), Marta Emigo (Portugal), and Tim Kenan (Finland).

EU Declares Nigeria Matters to Us