Ministry seeks cooperation and praises Lafarge’s commitment to environmental sustainability
Minister of the Environment Balarabe Abbas Lawal praised Lafarge Africa, a leader in innovative and sustainable building solutions, for its commitment to environmental sustainability.
The Minister presented the award during a courtesy visit by the company’s management team led by the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Lol Alade Akinyemi to the Minister on Wednesday in Abuja.
In his welcome address, the Minister praised the various awards that Lafarge Africa has received over the years for its environmental responsibility, saying this is a testament to the company’s concern for the environment.
He said because Lafarge Africa complies with the rules and regulations, there is no need to wait for the ministry to do so and they can easily come for a courtesy visit.
He further acknowledged Lafarge Africa’s influence on the country’s economic growth and development and praised its role as a major player in the cement industry. The Minister highlighted the environmental challenges associated with the cement industry and stressed the importance of complying with environmental regulations.
The Minister called on Lafarge Africa to fully comply with regulations such as the National Environment (Non-Metallic Mineral Manufacturing Industry Sector) Regulations and the National Action Plan for the Reduction of Mercury in the Cement Sector. He encouraged the adoption of modern, clean production and energy efficient technologies in line with global best practices.
Additionally, the Minister called for strengthening corporate social responsibility, including the construction of toilet facilities in host communities, to strengthen relationships between companies and communities.
He also praised the company for its circular economy, which is an area of interest for him, and like Lafarge, it is part of the ministry’s focus on achieving a more sanitary environment through the cleaning, sorting and recycling of waste. Therefore, we promised to cooperate with a building solution company. Are doing.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Alade Akinyemi warmly congratulated the Minister on his recent appointment and expressed confidence in his leadership to advance the Minister’s goals. He highlighted Lafarge Africa’s commitment to responsible operations and environmental sustainability, highlighting the company’s role in Nigeria’s construction and infrastructure development sector over its 60-year history.
“As key stakeholders, we share a vision for manufacturing companies like ours to operate responsibly, minimize their impact and contribute to overall environmental sustainability. We are confident that under your leadership, the Department will continue to achieve its goals.”
Mr. Alade-Akinyemi recognized the important role of the Federal Ministry of Environment and thanked him for its unwavering support in facilitating the approval of important projects aimed at strengthening Lafarge Africa’s environmental sustainability efforts. did. In particular, he highlighted the expedited approval process for alternative fuels for kiln firing at the Ewekoro and Mufamosin facilities, and the expedited approval process for ash storage permits for the Ashaka captive power plant project.
He expressed Lafarge Africa’s keenness to work more closely with the Ministry on addressing climate change and sustainability. He acknowledged the importance of collective efforts to promote sustainable practices within the industry.
He further acknowledged the Department’s commitment to timely permit issuance and cooperative annual joint inspections, and to work more closely with the Federal Ministry of the Environment on programs and initiatives to promote environmental responsibility within the industry. He expressed Lafarge Africa’s enthusiasm.
The building solutions company’s GMD and CEO highlighted his interest in championing “zero waste” treatment solutions and eliminating open burning practices, and the ministry’s continued support for new projects, renovations and annual permits. I asked for
The company proposed introducing an online process for project approval and report submission, with the aim of increasing efficiency and reducing the environmental impact associated with traditional administrative procedures.
At the end of the meeting, both sides expressed optimism about the possibility of strengthening the partnership. Lafarge Africa Plc and the Federal Ministry of Environment aim to set new standards for environmental management in the industry and contribute to a sustainable and green future.
Source: guardian.ng