Hasty Review of Nigeria’s Mining Act Could Result in More Troubles for Mining Communities

Over the years, Civil Society Organizations and mining host communities have clamoured for the review of the Nigeria Minerals and Mining Act 2007 due to its obsolete nature, the current happenings in the mining sector nationwide and its wide margin with global mining standards.

The sudden readiness of the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development and the Federal Government in reviewing the 2007 Act without proper input of all stakeholders could be another foundation of troubles for mining host communities in Nigeria.

Recall that the Minister for Mines and Steel Development, Arc. Olamilekan Adegbite, made it known on Wednesday, 5th April 2023, that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved that the new Minerals and Mining Bill be sent to the National Assembly. He further affirmed that the National Assembly had promised speedy process so that the bill can be passed and President Buhari can accede to it before leaving office in May 2023.

The Mining Act is as important to the destiny of Nigerians and local communities as the Land Use Act. From north to south, east to west, the weakness of the current law has plunged many communities into several human rights issues and environmental devastation. Therefore, hasty passage of the new bill without the in-depth contribution of local communities, Civil Society Organizations and other stakeholders may further birth a law that will not prioritize the rights of the host communities.

While recognizing the readiness of the Federal Government under President Muhammadu Buhari to review the Minerals and Mining Act 2007, we urge the executive not to rush the review process so as to avoid passing and accenting a law that will not address the realities of the extractive industry and the global mining standards.

For a prosperous mining industry and safer communities, the Federal Government must be willing to bring the states, local communities, CSOs and other stakeholders together to have a law that will end the sense of alienation and disconnect that the current law reflects. This cannot be done in less than two months.