By Obansa Ibrahim, Lokoja
The chairman of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Committee on Ministry of Solid minerals and Natural Resources, Hon. Omotayo Ishaya Adeleye, has stressed the need for the ministry to harness the abundant natural resources of the state for the development and growth of the state.
Hon. Adeleye Who Stated this on Tuesday while on oversight visit to the ministry, called on the management of the ministry to brace up to the occasion, noting that Kogi as a blessed state in mineral resources has no reason waiting for FG allocation, if the ministry can work with stakeholders to harness the abundant natural resources of the state.
In his remarks the vice chairman of the Committee, Hon Jibril Abu, noted that the visit is not to witch-hunt, but to find a way to collaborate with the ministry on possible legislations that can help in harnessing the resources of the state for the good of the people.
He therefore called on the management of the ministry to feel free to come up with innovation that will enhance development in the solid minirals potentials of the state.
Speaking during the interactive session, the Chairperson, Kogi NGOs Network, (KONGONET), and Co-Chairman, Open Government Partnership, (OGP), Ambassador Idris Ozovehe Muraina, noted that the the Ministry is key in coordinating the actions of Mining on citizens of host communities.
He called on the ministry officials to acquint themselves with the OGP budget line for the ministry and ensure that they monitor it’s implementation
For Idris Miliki Abdul, there is need to work with relevant agencies in the area of environmental impact Assessment, (EIA), to ensure that the host Communities are not adversely affected
He noted that even though mining is on the exclusive legislation of the Federal Government, the state can look for ways of harnessing the potentials of the abundant mineral through collaboration with stakeholders.
In his submission, Hamza Aliyu Executive Director, Initiative INGRA, said there is the need to have a
compendium of Communities where mining is taking place and the EIA as it affects the people of these Communities.
He called on the coordinating ministry, come with a comprehensive list of mining companies operating in the state, adding that the people need to know these companies and mining environments and the impact on the people.
“A hazardous enrollment need to be taking seriously, what is the impact of the mining on the people of that Community. Even though mining is on the exclusive legislation of the federal government, the land belongs to the state
“The people would like to know what is their stake and what they stand to benefit from the mining activities in their areas.
“The ministry must also let the public know how they are utilizing the budgetary allocation to the ministry and if there is need for improvement.
He noted that there is difference between cooperate social Responsibility, (CSR), of the mining companies and the revenue accruing to the state and federal government.
The Commissioner of ministry of Solid minirals and natural resources, Hon. Bashir Abubakar Gegu, indenfied inadequate manpower and the federal Government policy on mining as part of the impediment, affecting the operation of the ministry.
The Commissioner who was represented by the permanent secretary of the ministry, added that duplication of duties between the Ministry of environment and finance is also affecting the revenue drive of the ministry.
He noted that the EIA and CRS are being handled by the state and federal ministry of Environment, excluding the ministry of solid minirals and natural resources.
Other challenges faced by the ministry includes; lack of field and operational vehicles, absence of mineral testing equipment and a standard laboratory for mineral analysis.
He added that the exclusivity of mineral matter to the federal government is really impeding the developmental drive and policy formulation of the state government in this regards.
According to him, the ministry needs mineral house , which will accommodate all offices, display/ museum center for solid mineral/ oil and gas, Solid mineral laboratory, adding that the ministry also urgently need more technical staff like, geologists, mining engineers, chemical engineers, minialogists, metallurgists, geophysics and geochemist, among others.
The thereafter directed the ministry to itemized there needs and challenges and submit same to the house of Assembly for legislation and collaboration.
Other members of the Committee are; Hon. Oluwaseyi Bello, representing Kabba/ Bunu state constituency, Hon. Idrees Aliyu, representing Kogi/ KK state constituency, Hon Obaro Emmanuel, representing Yagva East state constituency and Hon. Major Enefola, representing Igalamela/ Odolu state constituency.
The Civil Society groups were also included in the team from the Kogi State House of Assembly, as partners to give the necessary technical support to the Committee.