The House of Representatives has expressed concern over the rise in illegal mining in the country, saying host communities now live in agonising condition.
The Speaker of the House of Reps, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, said this at the investigation hearing of the joint committee on illegal mining in Nigeria in Abuja on Monday, July 15, 2024.
He said that the rise in illegal mining highlights fundamental social, institutional and structural problems in the country.
He added that the investigation was aimed to provide enough guidance on curbing the menace of illegal mining.
He said that the aim was to also assess the role played by the regulators in the process of their regulatory functions as it relates to mining practices.
“The decision of the House of Reps to investigate illegal mining shows our commitment and determination to take decisive steps toward addressing nefarious mining practices.
“And the non-compliance with set standards in the solid minerals sector, including the Nigeria Minerals and Mining Act (Amendment) Bill and the Nigeria Solid Mineral Development Company (Establishment) Bill.
This he said was currently before the House and for which a Public Hearing would soon be held.
He said the investigative hearing was critical in the fact that various communities where mining is taking place in Nigeria live in agonising conditions, economically and socially.
“These communities have faced years of neglect and various deprivations and severe environmental degradation, air and water pollution, arising from unsafe mining practices by illegal miners.
Rep. Jonathan Gaza, the Chairman, House Committee on Solid Mineral, said the investigative hearing was imperative to allow for transparency and accountability.
He stated that this was to allow public participation, policy formation and identify challenges and solutions that would ultimately lead to the revamping of the nation’s solid mineral sector.
He stated that illegal mining posed substantial risks to the nation’s economy, environment, and security.
According to him, the unregulated exploitation of natural resources jeopardises the sustainability of the mineral sector.
Gaza said this leads to environmental degradation and revenue loses that could otherwise benefit the communities and the nation.
He said it was imperative that urgent and decisive steps be taking to address the issue and ensure that the solid mineral sector operate within the framework of the law.
Gaza said that the present administration is committed to ensure the protection of the nation’s natural resources for future generations.
By Femi Ogunshola
