The House of Representatives Committee on Solid Minerals has issued a stern warning to quarry operators across the country, threatening to recommend the revocation of mining licences for companies operating illegally or ignoring official summons. Chairman of the committee, Hon. Jonathan Gbefwi, who represents Keffi/Karu/Kokona Federal Constituency in Nasarawa State, gave the warning during an
Fatima Bago Calls for Urgent Mining Regulation After Deadly Blast
The First Lady of Niger State, Hajiya Fatima Umaru Bago, has called for greater public awareness to address the dangers posed by unregulated mining in Nigeria. Her appeal comes in the wake of a devastating dynamite explosion in Sabon Pegi, Mashegu Local Government Area, which claimed lives and destroyed property. Speaking at the distribution of
How Mining Operations Impacts Miners’ Health in Nigeria
The WHO estimates that artisanal mining activities in Nigeria put about 1.5 million people at risk of mercury exposure. According to ILO estimates, there are 2.3 million occupational deaths worldwide each year, with mining being one of the riskiest industries. According to a NEITI (Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative) report, over 36% of Nigerian miners
Osun Urged to Prioritise Environmental Protection Over Gold Mining Revenue
The Osun Masterminds (TOM) has criticised the Osun State Government for allegedly prioritising revenue over environmental management at mining sites. The group expressed disappointment that the state, which had previously accused a gold mining company of infractions, is itself prioritising earnings over the environmental welfare of the region. Speaking to journalists over the weekend, TOM’s
Earth Tremors Pose No Real Threat NGSA Assures Abuja Residents
The Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) has calmed citizens’ concerns about the earth tremors that were felt in Abuja, the country’s capital, and advised them not to worry. Olusegun Ige, the director general of the NGSA, stated that the agency has been keeping an eye on the tremors and has determined that they are mild
Ebonyi Assembly Probes Mining Company Over Host Community Damage
The Ebonyi State House of Assembly Committee on Public Petition, Justice, and Judiciary has issued a warrant for the arrest of Mr. Obia Alio, the director of First Patriot Company, over alleged property damage and disregard for the host community’s welfare. Committee chairman, Innocent Nomeh, revealed this during an on-site assessment at Enyim Agelegu Ndufu
CSOs Demand FG Action on Host Community Displacement and Illegal Mining
Over 90 Civil Society Organisations have called on the federal government of Nigeria to tackle the rising displacement of host communities caused by the activities of miners. This is coming at the end of its 2024 multi-stakeholders forum on enhancing inclusiveness and addressing inequalities in Nigeria’s mining sector. The group disclosed that the forum is
Miners Demand CBN Oversight of MIREMCO Funds
The National co-chair of the federation of Nigerian mining host communities, Abubakar Wushshi has emphasised the need to recognise the integral role played by host communities in Mineral resource extraction and the need for equitable benefit sharing. The federation of Nigerian mining host communities also urged to the National Assembly to include the deduction of