Federal Government Calls for Collaboration with States on Mining Policies
The Government of Nigeria is urging states to seek its approval before making policy pronouncements on mining activities in the country. This call for collaboration was made by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Oladele Alake, during a meeting with Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umar Rada in Abuja, the nation’s Capital.
Dr. Alake reiterated that solid minerals belong to the exclusive list, emphasizing the need for states to inform the federal government if an operator is not following laid down procedures or regulations. He stressed that the federal government must be notified before any action is taken by the state, and approval will be granted if necessary.
The Minister also highlighted the importance of Katsina State in the government’s plans for the development of the mining sector due to its large deposits of viable minerals. He revealed that talks have been initiated on a retreat between the Ministry and the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State. The purpose of the retreat is to address any issues between the federal government and States regarding the challenges of the mining industry.
During the meeting, Governor Rada sought the federal government’s assistance in addressing insecurity in certain areas of Katsina State, linking poverty, injustice, and illegal mining to the prevalent challenges. In response, Dr. Alake mentioned that the recently inaugurated Mining Marshals will help curb the activities of illegal miners in the State. He also highlighted the revised guidelines for Community Development Agreements (CDA), stating that a letter of consent from the host community is now mandatory before applying for a mining license.
Governor Rada applauded the Minister for his efforts to reposition the mining sector and expressed the state’s readiness to partner with the federal government to harness its mineral resources for the benefit of the nation. Additionally, Rada urged the Minister to revoke licenses of operators that refuse to develop or commence projects and to investigate instances of operators using dubious letters of consent from host communities.
Dr. Alake further emphasized the significant role of sub-national states in regulating the activities of mining operators, with Governors nominating the chairman and five out of ten members of their state’s Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO). He encouraged Katsina to follow the example of other states that have applied for mining licenses to operate as limited liability companies, assuring prompt approval.
The federal government’s call for collaboration with states on mining policies underscores the importance of a coordinated approach in the development and regulation of the mining sector. With dialogue and cooperation between the federal government and states, challenges in the industry can be addressed effectively, leading to sustainable development and utilization of Nigeria’s mineral resources.
