The House of Representatives has condemned the rise in illegal mining in the country, pointing out that host communities are currently living in disheartening conditions.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, condemned the development at the investigative hearing of the joint committee on illegal mining in Nigeria in Abuja on Monday.
He said that the rise in illegal mining highlights fundamental social, institutional and structural problems in the country.
Abbas added that the investigation aims to assess the role played by the regulators in the process of their regulatory functions as it relates to mining practices.
“The decision of the House of Reps to investigate illegal mining shows our commitment and determination to take decisive steps toward addressing nefarious mining practices.
“And the non-compliance with set standards in the solid minerals sector, including the Nigeria Minerals and Mining Act (Amendment) Bill and the Nigeria Solid Mineral Development Company (Establishment) Bill,” the Speaker said.
He noted that various communities where mining is taking place in Nigeria live in agonizing conditions, economically and socially.
“These communities have faced years of neglect and various deprivations and severe environmental degradation, air and water pollution, arising from unsafe mining practices by illegal miners.”
The Chairman, House Committee on Solid Mineral, Jonathan Gaza, said the investigative hearing was necessary to allow for transparency and accountability.
He stated that illegal mining posed substantial risks to the nation’s economy, environment and security.
According to him, the unregulated exploitation of natural resources jeopardizes the sustainability of the mineral sector.
He said it was imperative that urgent and decisive steps be taken to address the issue and ensure that the solid mineral sector operates within the framework of the law.