The Impact of Governors’ Executive Orders on the Mining Sector
The House of Representatives Committee on Solid Minerals has voiced its apprehensions regarding the repercussions of executive orders promulgated by state governors on mining activities within their respective states. Hon. Gaza Jonathan Ife, the Chairman of the Committee, expressed these concerns during the conclusion of the 5th meeting of the National Council on Mining and Mineral Resources Development (NCMMRD) in Ilorin. He specifically called upon the Chairman of the Nigeria’s Governors’ Forum, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, to intercede and address this issue with the state governors.
Ife underscored that the executive orders are adversely impacting the confidence of potential investors in the mining sector. He observed that the actions of the governors are perceived as devoid of federal government collaboration and are seemingly incongruous with the Nigerian constitution. Instead of issuing executive orders, Ife recommended that governors engage in collaboration with the Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO) to fortify mining activities within their states.
Moreover, the House Committee has instigated two bills aimed at bolstering mining activities, both of which have successfully passed the second reading. Ife accentuated the necessity for governors to harness MIREMCO, where they can actively contribute to the overseeing of solid minerals activities within their states. This approach would entail the governor appointing the chairman of the committee, with a federal mine officer being a member, thus ensuring a comprehensive synergy between the state and federal government.
Uba Maigari Ahmadu, the Minister of State for Steel Development, also delivered an address during the meeting, urging stakeholders in the Nigerian mining sector to embrace modern technology and leverage artificial intelligence to keep pace with industry development. Meanwhile, Kwara state governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, disclosed that the state government had registered five Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) to acquire viable mining sites, with the objective of establishing the state as a major producer of solid minerals in Nigeria.
In conclusion, the House of Representatives Committee on Solid Minerals has articulated legitimate concerns regarding the impact of governors’ executive orders on the mining sector. The committee has put forth a proposal for a collaborative approach between state governors and MIREMCO to fortify mining activities and bolster the confidence of potential investors. It is imperative for the governors to seriously deliberate on the recommendations provided by the committee in order to foster a conducive environment for mining operations in Nigeria.
