Mr. Balarade Abbas Lawal, the Minister of Environment, offered commendation to Lafarge Africa Plc for its unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability during a courtesy visit by the company’s management team, headed by the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, in Abuja.
The minister lauded Lafarge Africa for consistently earning numerous awards in environmental responsibility over the years, viewing this accomplishment as a testament to the company’s eco-friendly practices.
He appreciated the company’s proactive compliance with regulations, acknowledging their willingness to engage in a courtesy visit without the ministry prompting them for compliance.
Recognizing Lafarge Africa’s pivotal role in the cement industry and its substantial contribution to the nation’s economic growth, the minister highlighted the environmental challenges inherent in the sector.
He stressed the significance of adhering to environmental regulations, urging the company to fully comply with the National Environmental Regulations for the non-metallic minerals manufacturing industries sector and the National Action Plan for mercury reduction in the cement sector.
Encouraging the adoption of modern, cleaner production, and energy-efficient technology, he emphasized aligning with global best practices.
In response, Alade-Akinyemi expressed confidence in the minister’s leadership and underscored Lafarge Africa’s commitment to responsible operations and environmental sustainability.
He highlighted the company’s six-decade history in Nigeria’s construction and infrastructure development sectors, emphasizing their shared vision of promoting responsible manufacturing practices and minimizing environmental impact.
Alade-Akinyemi expressed eagerness for closer collaboration with the Ministry on climate change and sustainability initiatives, acknowledging the importance of collective efforts in advancing sustainable practices within the industry. He also acknowledged the Ministry’s commitment to timely permits and inspections, expressing a desire for increased collaboration on environmental responsibility initiatives.
Seeking the Ministry’s continued support for new projects and emphasizing their interest in pioneering a ‘zero waste’ treatment solution and ending open-air burning practices, the GMD/CEO proposed an online approval and reporting system to improve efficiency and reduce environmental footprints associated with traditional paperwork.
Both parties concluded the meeting with optimism about the potential for a strengthened partnership moving forward.
