By Grace Samuel
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The Nigerian Senate has called on the Federal Government to strengthen regulations in the mining sector following a tragic rockslide incident in Niger State that claimed over 30 lives.
The Senate has also mandated its Committee on Solid Minerals to investigate the incident and accelerate the passage of the Mine Ranger Bill.
Meanwhile, the Oyo State Government has established a task force to protect its mining sites from illegal activities, which have been rampant in the Oke-Ogun axis. The task force aims to improve synergy with security agencies and maximize the state’s revenue from solid minerals.
The Senate’s resolution follows a motion sponsored by Senator Sani Musa, who expressed concern over the lack of regulation in the mining sector, which has led to exploitation by foreign entities. Deputy Senate President Barau Jibril lamented that the Federal Government is being short-changed due to the lack of international best practices in the sector.
In Oyo State, Governor Seyi Makinde vowed to halt illegal mining activities, which have been perpetuated by foreigners, and maximize the state’s revenue from solid minerals.
The Director-General of the Solid Minerals Development Agency, Abiodun Oni, urged citizens to cooperate with security agents to reduce criminality associated with illegal mining.
The moves by the Senate and Oyo State Government are seen as steps toward addressing the long-standing issues in the mining sector, which has been plagued by illegal activities and a lack of regulation.
