By Fatima Zahra
ASHENEWS reports that the Niger state commissioner for Lands and Survey, Maurice Magaji has said that the state government was coming up with an inter-ministerial committee to enforce the ban on illegal mining in the state.
Magaji stated this while briefing journalists in Minna on Thursday.
He said that the committee will consist of officials from the state Ministry of Lands and Survey, Environment and Climate Change as well as the Ministry of Homeland Security.
The commissioner noted that the state government, in its bid to boost economic growth and also address environmental challenges arising from the actvities of miners in the state has introduced new measures to scrutinize their activities.
“Mining is in the exclusive legislative list which is issued by the federal government. Henceforth, we are involving the Ministry of Environment and also, we are now issuing a temporary right of occupancy to miners which is renewable every year. This allows us to also generate revenue on another side while checkmating their activities.
“We will now bill every miner based on the value of the minerals they extract,” he said.
Magaji also disclosed that the state government has handed over six hectares of land to contractors handling the Minna township roads for yard development.
“As part of their corporate social responsibility, the yard is going to bring in some form of development. We expect them to bring out the roads there and also involve the young people in the area in both skilled and non-skilled jobs.
“When they leave, we want them to develop that land with houses so we don’t just leave it as we have had in the past.
Magaji announced plans by the state government to make it a policy for every household to plant at least three trees.
“As you are developing your land, we will expect you to set aside a space to plant these trees. By doing so, you will be supporting the state government in achieving its target of planting 19 million trees within the next four years.”
