‘Make 5% Mining Act derivative to be paid to host communities’

•Nasarawa indicts monarchs, ministry officials for illegal mining

As the House Committee on Solid Minerals accelerates efforts towards the amendment of the Minerals and Mining Act of 2007, the Federation of Nigerian Mining Host Communities has appealed for deduction of the proposed five per cent from the 13 per cent derivative to host communities before sending the remainder to states.

The body also stressed the need for funding of the Mineral Resources and Environmental Committee (MIRENCO) to be housed in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

At a conference in Abuja, National Co-Chair of the community, Abubakar Wushishi harped on the imperativeness of HOSTCOMS in mineral resource extraction and equitable benefit-sharing.

He said the community has often advocated amendment of the Mineral Mining Act of 2007 to reflect intent of Section 17(2)(d) of the 1999 Constitution, which provides that, “the exploitation of human or natural resources in any form whatsoever for reasons, other than the good of the community, shall be prevented.”

Adding that Section 14(2)(b) and (c) of the Constitution also states that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government, and that “the participation by the people in their government shall be ensured in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution,” Wushishi reiterated that security and welfare of mining host communities are critical, and must be reflected throughout the amendment bill.

The co-chair further harped on the expansion of environmental impact, saying the bill must make provision that compels artisanal and licensed operators to conduct and publish bi-yearly impact reports of their mining activities as a requirement for their continued mining operations with clear penalties for default.

According to him, the proposed Section 9, which seeks to amend Section 19 of the Principal Act, should be amended to include a rotation of representatives of civil society organisations and mining host communities as members of MIREMCO to foster greater transparency, accountability and community participation in decision-making processes.

He also demanded that the proposed Section 33, which seeks to amend Section 116 of the Principal Act, should be amended to recognise that not all communities have an ‘organised’ existing community development
association.

MEANWHILE, the Nasarawa State House of Assembly has fingered traditional rulers and some staff of the Ministry of Environment for aiding the widespread illegal mining activities in the state.

The lawmakers, at plenary yesterday, alleged that the Yakubu Kwanta-led ministry has become an accomplice of illegal miners to plunder the state’s mineral resources.

Chairman, House Committee on Environment, Mohammed Omadefu, who raised the matter on the floor of the hallowed chamber, stated: “As I said earlier, I have a preliminary report. These people (illegal miners) are in connivance with some people in the Ministry of Environment.”