Nigeria, Dec. 18 -- Nigeria has ordered mineral processing companies to cease operations within residential and restricted areas. The government also mandated plastic manufacturers and bottling companies to take responsibility for the plastic waste generated from their products nationwide.

The directives form part of resolutions adopted at the 18th meeting of the National Council on Environment (NCE), Nigeria's highest advisory body on environmental matters, which was held in Katsina State from 15 to 17 December.

The council, chaired by the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, approved the measures after reviewing environmental risks associated with mining activities, plastic pollution and public health hazards across the country. ...