Nigeria’s House of Representatives Committee on Solid Minerals has issued a stern warning to quarry operators, stating that failure to comply with regulations and legislative summons could lead to the revocation of their mining licences. Committee Chairman Hon. Jonathan Gaza Gbefwi made the remarks during an investigative hearing into the operations of mining companies across the country.
The Committee said it is prepared to recommend the suspension or outright cancellation of operational licences for firms that flout the law. This comes in response to several companies allegedly ignoring summons to appear before lawmakers—a move the Committee described as a blatant disregard for national laws.
In particular, the Committee has ordered Arab Contractors and Omatek to submit all documents authorising their quarry operations or cease activity immediately. This directive follows a recent oversight inspection of quarry sites in the Federal Capital Territory, where lawmakers uncovered widespread non-compliance and poor working conditions.
During its investigations, the Committee found that many operators have neglected their community development agreements, leaving host communities in dire conditions and deprived of promised benefits. Lawmakers stressed the importance of upholding corporate social responsibilities, especially in areas directly impacted by quarrying.
While reaffirming Nigeria’s openness to foreign investment, the Committee condemned practices that exploit host communities. Concerns were raised about several foreign firms, particularly Chinese-owned companies, whose technical staff reside in Nigeria while senior management remains abroad—hindering accountability and proper engagement with local stakeholders.
The Committee also discovered that some companies, including Arab Contractors, are running illegal quarry sites without necessary approvals, highlighting serious regulatory lapses in the mining sector and the need for stronger enforcement mechanisms.
The Committee has vowed to continue monitoring quarry operations nationwide and take appropriate action against non-compliant operators. The threat of licence revocation serves as a strong signal of the government’s intent to enforce standards and ensure that mining activities are conducted responsibly and in alignment with community welfare.
This development serves as a wake-up call to quarry operators, urging them to comply with legal requirements and fulfil their commitments to host communities. The Committee’s actions underscore its dedication to upholding the law and protecting local populations from neglect and environmental harm.
