Illegal Mining: Nasarawa invokes order 2, 2022 to protect host community, other criminality

By David Odama

LAFIA –WORRIED by the high spate of illegal mining and other criminal activities in Nasarawa State, the state government has invoked order 02, 2022 to protect the host community, control and regulate mining activities in the state.

To this end , it has become illegal for minig expedition to be carried out without proper documentation, a measure which is designed to stem all forms of insecurity and other criminal activities in the state.

State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Yakubu Kwanta who disclosed this Wednesday at a press conference in Lafia, said the order followed the signing of Executive Order No.

According to Yakubu Kwanta, the order is to provide institutional support for technical assistance to Artisanal Miners, adding that the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources is Consequently mandated to enforce the Executive Order.

“All Mining Companies along with the Host Communities are consequently directed to submit two copies (2) of all previously signed Community agreements before or on 30th of January, this year to the Ministry for vetting and certification in line with the instant law of the state

The Commissioner explained that the measure is to put in check multiple issuance of Community Consents
and Development Agreements to Mining Entities as well as ensuring that the community development commitments made there in are not in conflict with the overall development masterplan of the State.

He added that all Mining Entities arriving the State with authority of the Federal Government to carry out mining in the State must report to the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources to verify their legal status, citizenship and background before settlement in the communities in collaboration with security agencies.

“Henceforth, it has become an offense for all Mining Entities arriving and doing business in the State to indulge in any mining activities. They must report to the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources for the purpose of documentation and identification of their operational status for peace and security” , Kwanta declared.

“We in Nasarawa State are open and ready to welcome investors, but Mining Entities doing business in the State must ensure that they pay all mining and other related taxes, levies, fees, charges to the Central Billing System domiciled with the Nasarawa State Internal Revenue Service”.

The Commissioner therefore warned that all host communities are restricted from bequeathing Rights of Occupancy of lands to Entities intending to carry out mining activities in Nasarawa State.

According to Yakubu Kwanta, holders of Mining Lease or License have been restricted to the powers conferred on them by the Minerals and Mining Act, 2007 and the Land Use Act, 1978 to ensure restoration and reparation of the
integrity of the degraded land and environment as required by the Acts.

The Mining order has also made it mandatory for all Entities to ensure physical development of structures in conformity with approved design by the Nasarawa State Urban Development Authority in conjunction with the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources.

“Henceforth, the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Ministry of Justice, Internal Revenue Service, Local Government Councils, Traditional Institutions and Security Agencies are to commence total enforcement of this Executive Order and initiate investigation and prosecution of defaulters in accordance with the Law”,
Kwanta declared.