Reps Seek Review Of Host Communities Mining Consent Process

The House of Representatives Committee on Solid Minerals has advocated for a review of the mining consent process within host communities, citing increased complaints regarding consent issues in mining host communities.

Led by the committee chairman, Hon. Jonathan Gaza, this call was made during a working visit to the headquarters of the Nigerian Mining Cadastre Office (MCO) in Abuja on Tuesday.

The committee highlighted that inadequately managed consent agreements could incite conflicts that may escalate and compromise local stability. The lawmakers further pledged to secure increased budgetary allocations for the agency to improve its operations. They pointed out that in Ghana, a similar agency retains part of the revenue it generates, enabling smoother operations, and suggested that a similar provision for the MCO could be considered during the constitutional review.

Concerns were also raised over the potential for corruption among MCO staff if adequate incentives are not provided. According to the Committee, enhancing working conditions and oversight measures within the MCO would likely foster greater productivity and transparency.

The committee expressed dissatisfaction with the current regional office structure within the agency, proposing instead that each Nigerian state should have dedicated desk officers responsible for verifying consent agreements and working in collaboration with local land departments to reduce potential conflicts within affected communities.

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Gaza remarked: “The issue of consent in your licensing process needs to be looked into. As a committee, we have been bombarded with complaints regarding the issue of consent, and I want to request your indulgence to review the aspects related to consent.

“Consent, if not well managed, can lead to the breakdown of law and order, and we already have one or two cases of this occurring in certain places.

“Furthermore, it can create opportunities for sharp practices among your staff. You must take particular note of that. I am also surprised to see the number of licences issued, yet there are still illegal miners.”

In response, MCO director general Obadiah Simon Nkom attributed recent revenue increases to improved transparency, enforcement, and digitalisation, which have streamlined licensing and revenue collection processes. He stated that the MCO collaborates with anti-corruption and transparency organisations, such as NEITI, NFIU, and EFCC, to mitigate any potential misconduct within mineral title administration.

Engr. Nkom shared current statistics, reporting that since January 2023, the MCO has processed 12,659 applications for new mineral titles. He noted that recent technological upgrades mean that nearly half of these applications are now submitted online via the MCO’s electronic Mining Cadastre System (eMC+), launched in 2022.

He explained: “The most recent innovation is the upgrade to the web-based eMC+ system, an online, real-time mineral title management system that supports efficient and transparent mineral title administration throughout their lifecycle.”

Since its introduction to stakeholders in November 2022, the eMC+ has improved transparency, efficiency, and accessibility within the mining sector. As of September 2024, 14,171 applications had been received, with 41.06 per cent submitted directly by stakeholders online.

The House representatives also announced plans for further discussions with MCO officials next week and an oversight visit to MCO zonal offices in the first quarter of the coming year.