The Nigerian Senate has stated that it is committed to putting an end to illicit mining operations that have been costing the federal government a lot of money and causing physical and food insecurity throughout the nation.
Establishing a safer and more lucrative mining industry is another goal of the Senate.
Senator Ekong, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals, stressed that unregulated and illegal mining operations are significant barriers to achieving the multibillion-dollar potential of Nigeria’s minerals sector, with unauthorized miners employing risky and environmentally damaging practices. He made this point while leading a delegation to Niger State to look into the recent collapse of a mining pit that claimed about 30 lives.
He assured that the Senate is still dedicated to developing legislative solutions to support the expansion and safety of Nigeria’s mining industry, pointing out that the illegal mining practices, which use rudimentary methods and show little concern for safety, continue to undermine the potential of our mining sector and endanger the environment and public health.
In response to the committee’s visit, Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago stated that the state was prepared to collaborate with the National Assembly in order to pass legislation that would reform the mining industry for the benefit of all parties involved, including miners, local communities, and the federal and state governments.
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According to Bago, “Responsible Mining” is a new project that was modeled after Brazilian models and would force businesses to give community services like drinkable water, healthcare, and education in order to counteract the effects of mining.
In addition to expressing sympathy to the people of Niger State for the devastating June 3, 2024, mining site collapse in Shiroro that resulted in numerous fatalities and the displacement of numerous families, the chairman of the Senate committee on solid minerals commended the Niger State government and the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals for their prompt response to the tragedy and called for additional support for the impacted families.
He claims that “unauthorized, black-market mining that has also fueled insecurity causes the sector to lose significant revenue every day, and mining incidents like the one in Shiroro are far too common.” To overcome these obstacles and safeguard our national treasures, we must work together.
He emphasized the solid minerals industry’s economic potential in Nigeria, stating that preventing illicit mining may increase GDP, diversify the economy, and bring in a sizable amount of money.
In his address to the Senate, Governor Bago reaffirmed Niger State’s commitment to promoting responsible mining practices, pointing out that while artisanal mining has resulted in property damage and fatalities as well as increased insecurity, a responsible mining bill would guarantee that mining operations are sustainable and advantageous for local communities.
