The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has held a public hearing to discuss a proposed bill aimed at regulating mining activities and addressing illegal mining in the state.
The hearing, organised by the House Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, invited stakeholders to provide input on the “Bill for a Law to Provide for the Regulation and Control of Issuance of Land Consent and Community Agreements to Mining Entities by Mining Communities and Other Matters Related Thereto.”
Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Prof. Abdulkarim Kana, outlined the constitutional authority of the Nasarawa State Governor and the Assembly to legislate on environmental protection for the state’s development. He noted that the bill would not only combat illegal mining but also increase revenue generation and promote socio-economic growth. Prof. Kana further urged miners to comply with Community Development Agreements, adhering to global best practices.
Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, Mohammed Adamu Omadefu, highlighted the bill’s goals of streamlining consent processes, resolving conflicts, and ensuring environmental sustainability. He assured stakeholders that their contributions would be reflected in the final draft to make the bill effective.
The bill’s sponsor, Hon. Daniel Ogazi (APC-Kokona East), explained that the proposed law would complement federal mining regulations, fostering peace and unity in mining communities, curbing illegal activities, and enhancing security.
Stakeholders, including Nasarawa’s Commissioner for Environment, Kwanta Yakubu, advocated strict adherence to due process in granting mining permits, stressing that any unauthorized licenses would be considered illegal.
Other contributors—ranging from legal experts to women’s rights advocates and representatives from state ministries—called for tougher penalties for offenders, greater protections for women and children in mining areas, and clearer definitions of miners’ social responsibilities.
The hearing underscored the importance of collaboration between federal and state ministries and a shared commitment to preserving the environment while promoting sustainable mining practices in Nasarawa State.
