Nigerian Governors Urged to Halt Executive Orders in Mining Sector

A member of the House of Representatives, Gaza Jonathan, representing the Chairman of the Committee on Mineral Resources, has called on Nigerian governors to refrain from issuing executive orders in the country’s mining sector.

Jonathan made this appeal at the fifth meeting of the National Council on Mining and Mineral Resources Development held in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State.

The meeting was attended by notable figures including the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State, Minister of State for Steel Development, Uba Maigari Ahmadu, captains of industries, National Assembly members, top government officials, and delegates from all 36 states of the federation.

During the meeting, Gaza Jonathan revealed that the National Assembly is working on two bills aimed at ensuring proper regulation and control of the mining sector.

These bills are designed to incorporate the inputs of citizens and stakeholders in the sector.

Once enacted into law, these bills are expected to safeguard the benefits derived from mining operations and ensure environmental protection for affected communities.

In his address, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq emphasized the importance of diversifying the economy and tapping into the potential of the solid minerals sector.

He highlighted the negative impact of over-reliance on oil and expressed optimism about the country’s ability to learn from past experiences.

Abdulrazaq further disclosed that his administration is focused on maximizing the solid mineral potentials of Kwara State.

As part of this effort, the state government has registered five Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) to acquire viable mining sites.

Additionally, plans are underway to establish a standard mineral market within the state to register all minerals mined from Kwara before their transportation elsewhere.