Addressing Foreigner Participation in Artisanal Mining: Nigeria’s Senate Considers Bill for Solid Minerals Development
The Nigerian Senate recently deliberated on a bill aimed at establishing a Solid Minerals Development Commission and restricting the involvement of foreign nationals in artisanal mining. Senator Mohammed Onawo of Nasarawa South sponsored the bill, with the goal of addressing the issue of illegal mining activities carried out by foreigners within the country. Senator Onawo highlighted the abundant natural resources in Nigeria and emphasized the need for more effective harnessing to combat increasing poverty levels. He also stressed the negative impact of foreign individuals engaging in artisanal mining without adhering to local laws, resulting in substantial capital flight from the country.
The proposed Solid Minerals Development Commission seeks to unify and enhance Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, ultimately leading to job creation and overall development. Additionally, the bill aims to attract federal presence and investment to Nasarawa state, specifically in the underutilised Doma Local Government Area where a significant dam has remained untouched since 1988. Senator Onawo reiterated the potential of the dam for irrigation and water supply, emphasizing the growing demand for Nigerian agricultural products due to the crisis in Ukraine. He also noted that the lack of attention to this potential revenue source has led to a stagnation in development and infrastructure decay.
In addition, Nigeria’s mining sector experienced a 3.96% contraction in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the previous year. The contribution of mining and quarrying to the country’s real GDP also decreased to 6.26%, highlighting the necessity for significant reforms in the sector. These developments underscore the urgency and importance of the proposed bill in addressing the challenges within Nigeria’s mining industry.
