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 5% of derivatives to host communities as the House committee on Solid Minerals accelerates the amendment of the Mineral and Mining act 2007.
Wushishi said the funding of the Mineral resources and environmental committee(MIREMCO) should be housed in the Central Bank of Nigeria, independent of the Federal and state arms of the Nigerian Government.
Wushishi also recalled that the community has called on several occasions, for the amendment of the Mineral and Mining act 2007 to suit sections 17(2)(d) of the constitution which provides for the funding and protection of host communities. Adding that section 14(2)(b)(c) states that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of the government
Reiterating that the protection of mining host communities are critical and must be reflected throughout the amendment.
According to the co-chair, there must be an expansion of environmental impact. Stating that the bill should make provisions to compel artisanal licenced operators to provide a bi-annual report on the impact of their mining activities on the environment —as a requirement for their continued operations.
He also cited the proposed sections 9 and 33 and asked for amendments of their provisions to include rotations of representation of Civil society and mining communities member representatives and a recognition of the current lack of organised existing community development association.
He urged state governments to ensure that host communities are active participants in the environmental and social assessment process and are armed with access to the services of a lawyer, environmental impact expert and Non-profit organisation able to advise them and vet agreements to ensure informed consent when entering into agreements.
