The House of Representatives Committee on Solid Minerals, on Tuesday, called for an urgent review of the mining consent process.
The committee emphasized that poorly managed consent agreements would create conflicts that could escalate and threaten local stability.
The House Committee, led by its Chairman Hon. Jonathan Gaza, disclosed this in Abuja, during an oversight visit to the Nigerian Mining Cadastre Office (MCO) headquarters, he raised concerns about potential risks to staffs welfare and insufficient oversight.
They emphasized that improving working conditions and oversight measures within the MCO could reduce these risks.
The committee proposed that each state in Nigeria have designated officers to verify consent agreements and collaborate with local land departments, minimizing overlap and potential conflicts.
He said: “Issue of consent in your licensing process, as a committee, we have been bombarded with complaints with regards to the issue of consent as a committee, and I want to create your indulgence that you look within and see how you can review the aspect that has to do with consent.
“Consent, if not well managed, disputes arising from consent can actually lead to breakdown of law and order, and we already have one or two of these things happening in some places.
“Secondly, it can give room for sharp practices within your staff, which are things you must take. You must take particular note of that’s on one hand. Secondly, I’m so surprised when I see the number of licenses issued. Meanwhile, you still have illegal miners. I mean, it’s quite it’s quite mind bubble.”
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In response, MCO Director-General Engr. Obadiah Simon Nkom, attributed recent revenue increases to improvements in transparency, enforcement, and digitalization, which have streamlined the licensing and revenue collection processes.
Engr kom, also shared current statistics, noting that since January 2023, MCO has processed 12,659 applications for new mineral titles and modifications, with nearly half submitted online through the MCO’s electronic Mining Cadastre System (eMC+).
He said: “The most recent innovation is the upgrade to the web-based eMC+ system. an online, real-time mineral title management system that supports efficient and transparent mineral title administration throughout their lifecycle.”
He noted that the eMC+, introduced to stakeholders in November 2022, has since improved transparency, efficiency, and accessibility in the mining sector. As of September 2024, a total of 14,171 applications had been received, with 41.06% submitted directly by stakeholders online.
The House representatives announced plans to meet with MCO officials next week for further discussions and outlined an oversight visit to MCO zonal offices in the first quarter of next year.
This review aims to ensure improved service delivery, greater transparency, and stronger collaboration with local and state authorities in mining license administration.
