NGOs Express Concerns Over Mining Activities within Cross River National Park

We, The People and Devcon, two non-governmental organizations (NGOs), have raised concerns regarding the intrusion of miners into the national park in Cross River state. Ken Henshaw and Martin Egot, representatives of the NGOs in Calabar, the state capital, have issued a statement highlighting that the incursions are being carried out by two mining companies, and are in violation of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act of 2007.

The detrimental impact of mining activities within the national park on the ecosystem, including the destruction of conservation efforts and the increased risks of wildlife hunting and logging, has been emphasized by the NGOs. They have criticized the federal ministry of mines and steel development for granting mining rights to the companies, and are calling for the immediate revocation of their licenses.

The statement released by the NGOs demands the immediate revocation of the mining lease granted to the two companies, emphasizing the essential need to halt ongoing mining activities and prevent further ecological degradation. They also call for the immediate evacuation of the sites, with the support of security agencies to remove the mining operatives from the area.

In addition to the revocation of mining licenses, the NGOs have also urged for a review and strengthening of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Regulations to eliminate any ambiguities in granting licenses within protected areas. They have stressed the importance of engaging local communities surrounding the Cross River National Park, including the Oban Forest, in conservation efforts, stating that their input and cooperation are vital for the effective protection and sustainable management of the park.

Furthermore, the NGOs have called on the government to empower the ministry to enforce legal measures, in order to prevent potential conflicts and ensure the protection of the national park. They have highlighted the need for proactive measures to engage local public interest journalism.

This article is published in collaboration with Report for the World, a global service program that supports local public interest journalism.