Reps to probe miners’ non-compliance with mining, explosive act

The House of Representatives on Tuesday resolved to investigate the alleged non-compliance by mining operators to the provisions of the Minerals and Mines Act, 2007, and the Explosives Act.

Considering a motion brought on the floor during Tuesday’s plenary by Nasarawa lawmaker, Jonathan Gbefwi, the House urged the Ministry of Solid Minerals to conduct public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on their rights under the Minerals and Mines Act and the mechanisms available for reporting non-compliance and environmental violations.

Although Gbefwi was not present to justify the significance of the motion, his Akwa Ibom counterpart, Mr Etteh Ikpong rallied support for it on behalf of the Social Democratic Party lawmaker.

According to Ikpong, “The Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007 expressly outlines several consequences for mining operators who fail to comply with its provisions some of which include revocation of mineral title, penalties and fines, suspension of operations, legal actions and community development agreements.”

He noted that whereas the Act was enacted to ensure sustainable mining practices, protect the environment, and uphold the rights of local communities, “It has become increasingly evident that many mining operators have failed to adhere to its provisions which reveals an alarming level of complacency exhibited by regulatory bodies in addressing these violations.”

He recalled that in 2024, many Nigerians lost their lives in several incidents including a “Massive explosion in the Bodija area of Ibadan, Oyo State, resulting in property damage and five deaths, a mining collapse in Niger state, and a building collapse in Plateau State due to improper reclaimed mine tunnels.”

He continued, “The House is aware that in recent times, there have been complaints from host communities on the administration of consent as well as poor or negligible and non-compliance with Community Development Agreements, leaving the host communities with the short end of the stick.

“The House is worried that the role of regulators is crucial in enforcing compliance and ensuring that mining activities are conducted ethically and sustainably, the apparent negligence and lack of action in addressing these violations have raised serious concerns and eroded public trust. If these ugly trends continue, they can lead to a breakdown of law and order among the affected communities.

“Thus, there is the need to investigate the non-compliance of mining operators to provisions of the Minerals and Mines Act, 2007 and the Explosives Act to safeguard mining host communities, protect the rights of citizens, and restore the integrity of the mining sector in the country,” he added.

Following the adoption of the motion, the House presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas mandated its Committee on Solid Minerals Development to “Carry out physical inspection of mining sites as well as a comprehensive review of the practices and effectiveness of regulatory bodies responsible for overseeing mining operations.

This is to enable the Committee to focus on “Identifying areas of complacency and recommending necessary reforms to enhance their capacity and accountability.”

The committee has four weeks to submit its report to the House for further legislative action.