The legal and regulatory frameworks of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector are in a real mess, according to Dele Ayanleke, the big boss of the Miners Association of Nigeria. He spilled the beans at the 2023 West Africa Mining Host Communities’ Indaba Conference in Abuja, where he said that the state governments and other lower levels of governance are at loggerheads with the federal government over who gets to control the mineral resources. This whole confusion is not just a bureaucratic headache; it’s also causing security issues.
Ayanleke warned that if the situation isn’t sorted out, it could scare off investors and put the brakes on the sector’s growth. He used a pretty vivid metaphor, saying that a divided house is a weak house, and if there are cracks in the wall, it’s an open invitation for troublemakers. He’s hoping that the Indaba will come up with some practical solutions to fix this mess and get the economy back on track.
Ogbonnaya Orji, the big shot at the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, chimed in with some wise words too. He pointed out that Africa is sitting on a goldmine of mineral resources, from gold and diamonds to oil and gas. But here’s the kicker: the communities where these resources are found are getting the short end of the stick. They’re dealing with security problems and are often left in the lurch.
Orji stressed the need for transparency in how these resources are managed. He said that being open and honest about where the money goes is key to making things right. He also highlighted the security concerns around mining activities, especially in areas with untapped mineral deposits like gold. These places are hotbeds for violence and crime, and the lack of proper regulation is only making things worse.
He called for a joint effort between security agencies and mining communities to tackle these issues head-on. Without proper monitoring and regulation, mining activities can wreak havoc on the environment and put people at risk. Orji also emphasised the importance of responsible mining practices, especially in the context of climate change and renewable energy.
In a nutshell, he stressed the need to govern these resources with transparency and accountability, ensuring that the benefits are shared fairly, the environment is protected, and human rights are upheld. It’s a big responsibility, but it’s crucial for the well-being of the nation and its people.
