Enhancing Oversight in the Solid Minerals Sector
The House of Representatives is currently considering the proposal for the establishment of a Mines Inspectorate Environmental Agency, as stated by the Chairman of House Committee on Solid Minerals, Hon. Gaza Gbefwi. The key aim of this agency would be to regulate and supervise miners in order to maximise revenue for the country, similar to the role of the Federal Inland Revenue Service in handling taxpayers.
In addressing the issues within the solid minerals sector, Hon. Gaza Gbefwi highlighted the urgent problem of illegal mining, which currently lacks the necessary resources to effectively control. He emphasised the importance of monitoring and enforcement, stressing that strengthening oversight in this sector is crucial for Nigeria to fully exploit its substantial mineral resources.
During an event organised by the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission and the United Nations Development Programme in Abuja, Gbefwi explained, “If Nigeria can have the resources coming from the solid minerals sector, Nigeria would be far ahead of its peers within the sub-region because of the great endowment we enjoy in solid minerals.”
Gbefwi also highlighted the shortage of manpower at the state level, contributing to the challenges of inadequate monitoring and inspection of mining sites. To address this, the proposal is to establish mines inspectorate offices in each senatorial district, with the aim of ultimately establishing an independent entity known as the Mines Inspectorate Environmental Agency. This proposed agency would be responsible for ensuring compliance with regulations, operating independently with the necessary flexibility.
Illegal mining has been identified as a significant hindrance within the sector, and it is hoped that implementing an oversight body similar to the FIRS for taxpayers could lead to a substantial improvement in revenue generation.
As the government seeks to enhance the management of its solid minerals sector, the proposal for the establishment of a Mines Inspectorate Environmental Agency marks a significant step towards improving oversight, compliance, and revenue generation. By addressing the challenges posed by illegal mining and inadequate monitoring, Nigeria aims to unlock the full potential of its mineral resources, positioning itself as a leader within the region.
