Nasarawa Assembly Holds Public Hearing on Legislators’ Powers to Oversee Mining Activities
Prof. Abdulkarim Kana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, has stated that the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria empowers the Governor and Nasarawa State House of Assembly to protect the environment through legislation for the overall development of the State.
Prof. Kana revealed this during a Public Hearing On a Bill For a Law to Provide for the Regulation and Control of Issuance of Land Consent and Community Agreements to Mining Entities by Mining Communities and Other Matters Related Thereto.
A Public Hearing is being organized by the Nasarawa State House of Assembly Committee on Environment.
Prof. Kana pointed out that the bill’s passage would not only stop illegal mining but also generate revenue and drive socio-economic development in the State.
” The Governor and the House of Assembly have the powers to protect the environment.
He delivered an extensive address on areas of interest and provided inputs on the proposed bill, while urging miners to adhere strictly to Community Development Agreements in line with global best practices.
Hon. Mohammed Adamu Omadefu, Chairman of the House Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, stated that the bill seeks to regulate mining consent issuance in the state, thereby addressing conflicts and negative issues surrounding mining activities in the solid mineral-rich region.
Omadefu explained that the public hearing was held to obtain stakeholders’ input and suggestions on the bill.
” Which will help the House to come out with clean and good bill that would protect our environment” he said.
He said that eventhough, mining is in exclusive list but the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has also empowered the House to legislate and protect its environment.
He called on participants to contribute positively so that the assembly can come out with a good legislative instrument for good governance in the state.
Omadefu assured stakeholders of the committee determination to make use of their inputs for a clean bill
Hon. Daniel Ogazi (APC- Kokona East), Sponsor of the Bill, stated that the bill’s passage would promote peace and unity in mining communities.
He also said that the bill would curtail illegal mining in the state as well as insecurity.
According to Ogazi, the bill is not at odds with the Federal Law on mining; instead, it aims to augment the existing law, making it more effective and better equipped to address the challenges of mining in the state.
He said due process must be followed before obtaining consent permit for mining activities in any community of the state.
He added that Community Development Agreement signed must be respected.
Hon. Kwanta Yakubu, Commissioner for Environment stated that the ministry will ensure miners adhere to due process to protect the state’s environment.
” Miners should follow due process before getting license. Any attempt to get the license before following the procedure is illegal” he said.
The Environment Commissioner called for strengthening of the mining consent in order to arrest most of the challenges in the mining sector .
Hon. Kwanta appreciated the Sponsor of the bill and the House for passing the bill into first and second reading.
Hon. Abdulhamid Kwarra, the former Majority Leader of the House, commended Hon Daniel Ogazi for proposing the bill to establish a legal framework to tackle illegal mining in the state
He said that the bill would promote security and peace and boost the revenue base of the state government.
Hon Kwarra said that issue of multiple consents should be tackled.
Alhaji Ahmed Abubakar Kana, General Manager of the Nasarawa State Water Board, emphasized the importance of miners protecting water resources and complying with water and environmental laws during his speech.
Barr Ede Yahaya Yakubu, Director, Legal Drafting Ministry of Justice appreciated the House for organizing the public hearing towards getting stakeholders inputs on the bill.
He called for stiffer penalties for defaulters of the law to serve as deterrent to others.
“What is the penalty for defaulters, in the event that somebody defaulted, what will happen to such a person,” he said.
Mrs Atinuke Chamang, Permanent Secretary, State Ministry of Science and Technology also appreciated the sponsor of the bill and the House, saying that it has come at the right time.
Mr Khalid Adamu, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Land, Urban and Regional Planning, said that the ministry issued Certificate of Occupancy and called for sensitization of farmers and other people on the law.
” The synergy between the Federal Ministry of Land and State Ministry of Land is vital in ensuring successful mining activities in the state.
” As a ministry, we are the custodian of land in the state, for any consent to be granted, the consent of the Governor must be obtained” he said.
Mr Samuel Yakubu, Vice President, Nasarawa State NLC called for clear defined law, especially in area of protecting the land.
“The miners should defined what they will do to the mining host communities as their Social Responsibility clearly” he said.
Mrs Halima Sanusi Sabo, Nasarawa State Coordinator, Women in Mining in Nigeria, called for protection of women and youths during mining.
She expressed concern over abuse of women and children in mining sites while calling for a sound law that would protect them.
