ASHENEWS reports that the Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago has met with stakeholders in the mining sector to discuss the state’s upcoming “Responsible Mining” Executive Bill, aimed at curbing illegal practices and fostering sustainable mining.
The meeting, held at the Government House in Minna on Wednesday brought together leaders and representatives from the mining industry to collaborate on solutions to the industry’s pressing challenges.
According to the governor, the “Responsible Mining” bill, which is expected to be introduced soon, will outline procedures and regulations to improve transparency and accountability in the sector.
Once passed, it is hoped that the bill will be a significant step toward making Niger State a model of sustainable mining practices.
The governor explained that the session aimed to align efforts among mining stakeholders, with a view to creating a safer and more regulated environment.
The governor who identified the severe impacts of illegal mining in the state to include environmental damage, increased school dropouts, and insecurity, urged all miners in Niger State to unite.
He also encouraged artisanal miners to form cooperatives to aid in data collection and regulatory compliance.
“With a comprehensive database of miners, we can offer more focused support to both associations and cooperatives, ensuring that mining activities are conducted responsibly, prioritizing safety for workers and host communities,” the governor said.
He further announced that similar meetings would continue to ensure lasting cooperation between the state government and the mining industry.
The stakeholders at the meeting, including the Caretaker Chairman of the Niger State Chapter of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Yusuf Shuaibu, and Mohammed Mambo, a member of the technical committee reviewing Nigeria’s mining laws, lauded the governor’s proactive approach.
The stakeholders emphasized the need for stronger adherence to mining guidelines and better supervision to mitigate the environmental impacts affecting local communities.
