Bauchi State government has taken a bold step toward unlocking its mineral resource potential with the inauguration of the newly appointed executive members of the Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO) to safeguard communities and ensure mining activities adhere to legal guidelines to enhance the economic benefits.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony yesterday, State Commissioner for Natural Resources Development, Muhammad Bello, said the inauguration of MIREMCO’s executive members marks a crucial step in ensuring environmental protection, community welfare and investor confidence in the mining sector.
Bello emphasised the state government’s commitment under the leadership of Governor Bala Mohammed to enhancing the ministry’s responsibilities in managing natural resources through close collaboration with relevant federal agencies.
He said the state government is determined to harness the state’s vast mineral resources to drive economic growth.
Bello urged the committee members to uphold ethical standards and work within MIREMCO’s legal framework to protect the state’s interests.
“Your primary duty is to safeguard our communities by ensuring that mining activities adhere to legal guidelines. Transparency and accountability must be at the core of your responsibilities,” he stated.
According to the commissioner, the nomination of MIREMCO’s executive members was approved by the state governor as outlined in Section 19, Subsections 2-7 of the Nigerian Mineral & Mining Act, 2007.
The committee’s core mandate includes liaising with mining communities and operators, ensuring environmental safety and security and promoting responsible mining practices.
In his acceptance speech, the newly appointed MIREMCO chairman, Alhaji Inuwa Bello Galoji, expressed gratitude to Governor Bala Mohammed and Hon Bello for entrusting him with the role.
Galoji who doubles as the chairman, Mining Association of Nigeria, promised to work diligently to promote the development of mineral resources in Bauchi State. “Transparency and accountability will be our guiding principles as we collaborate with the Ministry of Natural Resources Development to achieve set objectives,” he added.
Other members of MIREMCO include, Shehu Umar; Surv. Ahmed Mai Walle (State Surveyor General); Comrade Sale Umar Misau; Mr Daniel Kyau from the Federal Ministry of Environment; Isiyaku Tijjani Bello from Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs; Babaji Maijama’a from Ministry of Agriculture; Sanusi Garba Imam from Ministry of Natural Resources Development and Federal Mine Officer, Bauchi Office, will serve as secretary.
