The Plateau State House of Assembly has raised concerns over mining and mineral processing near homes.
Speaker Daniel Nanlong explained that lawmakers backed a motion of urgent public importance introduced by Jacob Denty (APC/Pankshin South) and supported by Mark Na’ah (APC/Jos North West).
He said the assembly warned that such activities release harmful substances, including heavy metals, dust, and chemical by-products, that threaten residents with respiratory illnesses, cancers, kidney damage, and other severe health issues.
The lawmakers also noted that the practice damages water sources, farmlands, and the environment, while worsening displacement, poverty, and insecurity.
The assembly stated that the resolution was reached during plenary on Tuesday.
It pointed out that the issue is most visible in the Jos-Bukuru metropolis, especially Jos North Local Government Area, where a survey revealed more than 1,000 processing sheds operating within residential communities.
To curb the danger, the lawmakers urged the state government, the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, and the Federal Ministry of Environment to enforce safety laws, relocate processing activities to designated industrial zones, and hold offenders accountable.
They added that the House Committee on Environment and Solid Minerals would work with relevant agencies to ensure compliance with environmental standards.