Amidst growing concerns over the security threats and exploitation associated with unregulated mining activities, lawmaker in Oyo State House of Assembly representing Iwajowa State Constituency, Hon. Anthony Ogunsola, has called for more proactive and decisive steps from the executive arm of government to address the issue.
Hon. Ogunsola who is the Chairman House Committee on Solid Minerals Development , made the plea during a session of the House, as detailed in a report presented on Tuesday, April 8
Ayetoro Ile-born Lawmaker highlighted the constitutional framework that places mining under the exclusive legislative list, acknowledging the role of both large-scale companies and artisanal miners regulated by the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development and the Nigeria Mining Cadastral Office. While recognizing the potential contribution of mineral resources to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the lawmaker emphasized the detrimental impact of unregulated mining over the past decade.
“The mining activities over the last one decade in Nigeria had posed serious security threats to the host/mining communities and some parts of the Country,” Hon. Ogunsola stated in the report.
He further elaborated on the multifaceted challenges plaguing the sector, including “illegal mining and lack of proper regulation, security threats such as banditry and insurgency, environmental degradation amongst others.”
The lawmaker pointed to specific instances where mining sites have become hotspots for criminal activities.
“Mining Sites, especially some hotspots areas have become target for banditry and kidnappings, with workers and foreign investors targeted for ransom,” the report noted. Disturbingly, Hon. Ogunsola revealed that “some miners involved in banditry and kidnapping activities based on the evidence from security reports on such criminal activities.”
The situation is particularly concerning in areas like Iwajowa, Saki, and Igbeti, where “terrorist groups exploit mining operations to fund their activities, while also attacking sites to seize resources and kidnapping individuals to demand for ransom.”
Hon. Ogunsola attributed the continuation of these incidents to a “weak Regulatory Enforcement mechanism” and “Poor Oversight by Government Agencies” that allows illegal mining to flourish.
While acknowledging the efforts of the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, in addressing insecurity through initiatives like the Amotekun Corps and support for security agencies, Hon. Ogunsola stressed the need for more targeted action within the mining sector. He commended the Governor’s issuance of Executive Order No. 001 of 2023, aimed at protecting mining communities against insecurity and exploitation. This order mandates legal vetting of Community Development Agreements (CDAs) and emphasizes Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs).
However, Hon. Ogunsola expressed concern over the level of compliance with this Executive Order. “It was revealed that little progress had been recorded on the level of compliance by Mineral title holders in Oyo State with Executive Order. 001 of 2023,” the report stated. Shockingly, out of 189 Mineral Title Holders operating in the State, “only thirteen (13) miners officially registered with the Agency.”
This lack of compliance, according to Hon. Ogunsola, “is constituting security threats and challenges within the State especially the mining communities.” He cited a recent peaceful protest by youths and community leaders in Itasa, Iwajowa Local Government, against a mining company, Architype Industries Nigeria Ltd, for alleged exploration without proper community agreements and environmental assessments.
Expressing further concern, Hon. Ogunsola pointed to the alleged inaction of the State Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO) in handling mining-related issues and enforcing the provisions of the Mining Act regarding CDAs and environmental degradation. He also noted a lack of synergy between key stakeholders like the Mineral Development Agency and the Ministry of Justice.
In light of these observations, Hon. Ogunsola made a direct appeal for stronger executive intervention. “There is a need for the executive arm of government to take more proactive and decisive steps to curb unregulated mining operations in the state that posed security threats and illegal and unpatriotic miners that exploit host/mining communities,” he asserted in his call to the House.
The lawmaker urged the House to commend Governor Makinde for the existing Executive Order but also appealed for “more robust logistic supports to the Task Force constituted to enforce the implementation of the Executive order on mining activities and ensure total compliance of all Mineral title holders in the State.”
Furthermore, Hon. Ogunsola called for better collaboration between the Oyo State Government, the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, and MIREMCO to protect mining communities. He also emphasized the need for the Oyo State Mineral Development Agency, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, and Ministry of Justice to “effectively synergise on strengthening mechanisms for the implementation of the Executive Order” and to create awareness among mining communities about their rights and responsibilities.
Finally, Hon. Ogunsola moved for the Committee on Solid Minerals Development to conduct a comprehensive audit of mineral title holders and inspection visits to mining sites across the state to ensure total compliance with mining regulations.
The call from Hon. Ogunsola underscores the urgent need for a more robust and coordinated effort from the Oyo State executive arm to tackle the multifaceted challenges posed by illegal and unregulated mining, particularly concerning security and the exploitation of host communities. The House is expected to deliberate further on the recommendations put forth by the lawmaker.
