Kogi NGOs cautions Kogi Assembly on implications of the proposed mining legislation in the state

By Obansa Ibrahim, Lokoja

The Chairperson of Kogi NGOs Network, (KONGONET) has called on the Kogi State House of Assembly to step down discussion on the Bill regarding the proposed law to prohibit the issuance of mining permits within the state, for further consultation with more stakeholders to ensure the state hit the right set of buttons.

In a statement by Ambassador Idris Ozovehe Muraina, Chairperson,
KONGONET and made available to Journalists in Lokoja, weekend noted that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended classified mining under the exclusive legislative list, saying that the powers to make laws regarding mining resides with the National Assembly.

The statement, added that “As the Apex Coalition of Civil Society Networks in Kogi State, we acknowledge the ongoing public hearing regarding the proposed law to prohibit the issuance of mining permits within the state.This initiative arises from growing concerns over the environmental and social impacts of mining activities.

“However, it is crucial to recognize that the legislative authority over mineral resources is vested in the federal government of Nigeria, as stipulated in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act of 2007. This federal framework already addresses several issues related to mining operations.

He stressed that While the body appreciate the intent behind the proposed law, they urged the Kogi State House of Assembly to approach this particular legislation with caution.

“It is essential that this law is treated as a carefully calibrated missile one that must be guided thoughtfully to ensure it does not misfire, resulting in unintended consequences for our communities and the mining sector. We believe that a balanced and well-informed approach can better serve the interests of both the environment and the economy in Kogi State.

The group also encouraged all stakeholders to engage in a constructive dialogue to refine the proposed legislation, ensuring it aligns with both the state and federal regulations while effectively addressing the concerns of our communities.
OBSERVATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
PART I
Observations:
Section 3: Permit
o The definition of this term could be misleading as it does not mention the specific authority to issue such permit.

Recommendation:
It should be clearly defined in the interpretation section
Observation
Section 5(1): Mandatory registration of mining approval in the state.

Recommendation
Mining Cadastre Register already exist at the nation

Observation
Section 7(1)(a): CDA officiating and endorsement

Recommendation
Section 7(1)(a): This is the function of the minister

Inconclusion
we recommend that this bill be step down for further consultation with more stakeholders to ensure the state hit the right set of buttons.

Thank you and have a wonderful deliberation.

Amb. Idris Ozovehe Muraina
Chairperson,
Kogi NGOs Network (KONGONET)