The Federal Government, on Wednesday, inaugurated a committee with a seven-day deadline to investigate the ongoing disputes between the Osun State Government and Segilola Resources Operating Limited (SROL) concerning gold mining operations.

It said that the committee aims to thoroughly investigate the circumstances leading to the shutdown, addressing concerns from stakeholders in the mining sector and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, who inaugurated the committee in Abuja, noted that the committee will investigate the underlying causes of the conflict and provide actionable recommendations.

He said: “The committee will report directly to the Honourable Minister. Interim updates will be provided as the work progresses, and the final report will be submitted within seven (7) days from the date of the committee’s inauguration.”

He also stressed the importance of transparency and collaboration in resolving the issues at hand, with the committee expected to provide recommendations for future operations.

He warned the state governments against the closure of mining sites, stressing that sub-nationals lack the constitutional authority to do so.

He noted that the key objectives include reviewing contractual obligations, “to identify the root causes of the disagreement between the Osun State Government and Segilola Resources Operating Limited.

“To review the contractual obligations and agreements between both parties to determine whether there have been breaches or misunderstandings.

“To assess the socio-economic, environmental, and legal aspects of the operations carried out by Segilola Resources Operating Limited. To evaluate the impact of the company’s operations on the host communities and the wider Osun State economy.

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“To propose solutions that ensure the continuation of mining activities while safeguarding the interests of the state and the affected communities. Make any other recommendations that will enable the government to take informed decisions to resolve the lingering dispute between SRSL and OSSG.”

In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mary Ogbe, urged states to cooperate with the Federal Government to avoid disruptions in mining operations.

She said that such actions send wrong signals to prospective investors and can be a disincentive to the needed Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) required to develop the sector.

Responding on behalf of the committee, the Vice-Chairman and representative of the Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Dr Dele Oye, assured the minister that the panel will serve with utmost integrity in fulfilling its terms of reference.

Members of the committee include Director, Mines Inspectorate of the ministry, Engr. Imam Ganiyu (Chairman); Representative of NACCIMA, Dr. Dele Oye (Vice-Chairman); Mr. Pwol Dareng, Assistant Director, Organised Private Sector (OPS) of the Ministry (Secretary)

Other members are the Director, Mines Environmental Compliance (MEC), Dr. Vivian Okono; Director, Legal, Mrs. N.C. Odili; Representative of Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Chief of Staff to the Executive Chairman, Tayo Koleosho; and Representative of Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Zubeir S. Abubakar.