"Federation of Nigerian Mining Host Communities and Civil Society Partners Applaud National Assembly's Efforts to Amend Minerals and Mining Act

"Federation of Nigerian Mining Host Communities and Civil Society Partners Applaud National Assembly's Efforts to Amend Minerals and Mining Act"

By Gloria Sarauniya Usman 

ABUJA, NIGERIA July 25, 2024-

The Federation of Nigerian Mining Host Communities and its civil society partners commend the National Assembly's recent attempts to amend the Minerals and Mining Act of 2007. We appreciate the efforts of the House Committee on Solid Minerals to strengthen the legal and policy frameworks for equitable benefit-sharing in the sector.

We have consistently advocated for amendments to reflect the intent of Sections 17(2)(d) and 14(2)(b) and (c) of the Nigerian Constitution, ensuring the security and welfare of mining host communities. At the public hearing, we proposed the following amendments:

* Prioritize the security and welfare of mining host communities throughout the amended Act;

* Expand Environmental Impact Assessments to Environmental and Social Impact Assessments, with bi-yearly impact reports from artisanal and licensed operators;

* Include Civil Society Organizations and Mining Host Communities in state MIREMCOs for greater transparency and accountability;

* Commend the proposed amendment granting state autonomy in MIREMCO, but recommend funding be housed in the Central Bank of Nigeria for independence;

* Clarify the definition of "Community" to include affected communities;

* Clarify the term "Community Development Associations" and ensure standardization and transparency in their operations;

* Ensure Community Development Agreements reflect environmental and social impact assessments and obtain free, prior, informed consent from communities;

* Regulate Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining with a specific code;

* Separate regulatory and administrative functions of the ministry;

* Allocate 5% derivative for mining host communities, separate from the 13% state allocation;

* Ensure inclusivity in Board and Committee Composition;

* Complete Social and Environmental Impact Assessments before issuing licenses;

We commend the National Assembly's efforts and insist that the proposed amendments serve the interests of all stakeholders, particularly mining host communities, promoting sustainable development and socioeconomic advancement.

The Press statement was jointly signed by over 19 civil society organizations.