NEWS
Stakeholders Move to Unbundle Powers of Solid Minerals Minister
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By Ubong Ukpong, Abuja
Stakeholders at the hearing on a bill to reenact the Solid Minerals Act by the House of Representatives on Wednesday, moved to unbundle the powers of the Solid Minerals Minister, demanding also that the host Communities should enjoy at least ten percent derivations from mining activities in their communities.
The stakeholders insisted that the powers wielded presently by the minister were too concentrated and should be shared by other relevant agencies and departments of the government for effective performance in the sector.
Equally, 10 years renewable mining lease instead of the present 25 years as captured in section 66 of the Solid Minerals Mining Act 2007, was proposed.
These recommendations were part of others made at the public hearing organized by the House Committee on Solid Minerals, to repeal the bill and enact another titled, “Nigeria Mineral Development Company Limited (Establishment) bill 2023 and Minerals and Mining.”
In a submission, Mr Tobias Lengs of RENEVLYN Development Initiative decried the health hazard, environmental degradation and negligence by miners, which posed danger to the host communities.
“We suggest an upward review of the extraction net value revenue that goes to the Community Development Association. 10 percent is suggested and this should be reviewed periodically.
“The duration of a Mining Lease is twenty-five years and shall be renewable every twenty-four years as captured in section 66 of the Solid Minerals Act. The 25 years mining lease arrangement is too long and leaves room for operators to get away with impunity at huge cost to the nation. A 10-year mining lease is proposed instead to compel operators to be more responsive and accountable for their actions.”
He further suggested that , “the Community Development Agreement should be flexible to allow the host community to determine exactly what they want to use the funds for, without tying it to particularized line items. Their needs may change depending on the situation hence the agreement details should not be open ended.
On the enormous powers of the Minister which they suggested should be unbundled, representatives of Environmental Defenders Network (EDEN), as well as that of the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA), said this would enhance prosperity in the sector.
“The Bill gives too much power to the minister. Other ministries relevant to the subject including environment should be involved”,the EDEN insisted.
On their part, Ms. Lumun Amanda Feese who represented Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) said despite the enactment of modern legislation for the mining industry not much has been achieved economically.
“The mining sector’s impact on the economy remains suboptimal, hovering below 1 percent of GDP by 2015. In 2016, the government approved an industry roadmap aimed to enhance the sector’s role as an economic driver, targeting a 3 percent GDP contribution by 2025.
“To The NESG would like to commend the House Committee for initiating these bills to address the staggering decline of the mining sector. While both bills are noteworthy, the NESG emphasizes an urgent need for the Federal Government to instill the highest standard of good governance in the mining industry.
“This call is similar to the government’s successful approach in the oil and gas sector demonstrated through the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) of 2021 to implement the Nigerian oil and gas policy, which was approved in 2007. The PIA overhauled the institutional, legal, and regulatory framework for the oil and gas industry, establishing two regulatory agencies and fully commercializing the Nigerian National.”
Speaking earlier, Chairman of the Committee, Rep Jonathan Gaza noted that the proposed legislation was necessary to transform the mining sector.
“We actually need a heavy rod in the mining sector. We need a vehicle where the government can be a player in the mining sector. A situation where 5% of whatever is extracted will be given to host communities and if this is achieved Nigeria will experience astronomical growth.”
NEWS
Ajuri, Tinubu’s Spokesperson Takes Exit, Cites Mesical Reaaona
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Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President Chief Ajuri Ngelale has quit his job. He said in a statement in a Abuja that he would proceed on an ” indefinite leave, to deal with ” medical matters” affecting him amd hia immediate family.Hos statement reads: “On Friday, I submittd a memo to the Chief of Staff to the President informing my office that I am proceeding on an indefinite leave of absence to frontally deal with medical matters presently affecting my immediate, nuclear family.
While I fully appreciate that the ship of state waits for no man, this agonizing decision — entailing a pause of my functions as the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity and Official Spokesperson of the President; Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, and Chairman, Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen — was taken after significant consultations with my family over the past several days as a vexatious medical situation has worsened at home.I look forward to returning to full-time national service when time, healing, and fate permit.I respectfully ask for some privacy for my family and family”NEWS
Fuel Crisis: 1000 CSOs Fault Tinubu’s Economic Team, Want Immediate Reconstitution
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By David Torough, Abuja
About 1000 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), under the auspices of Coalition Of Civil Society Organisations (CCSOs), on Saturday Faults President Bola Tinubu’s Economic Team and called for immediate reconstitution.Expressing deep concerns over the state of the economy and escalating fuel prices compounding the hardship of Nigerians despite the recent protest, the groups said Tinubu must act now to avert disintegration.
The groups said the current situation across the country has cast doubt on the competence of the Tinubu economic team and called for urgent review. The CCSOs in a statement by its National Coordinator, Mallam Ibrahim Mohammed, pointed out that the plight of Nigerians is sinking low and their patience is wearing off following the deteriorating economy.The statement reads in part, “The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) is deeply concerned about the deteriorating state of the Nigerian economy, which is becoming increasingly unbearable for millions of citizens.“It is evident that the recent hike in fuel prices and the unstable exchange rate are the direct results of economic mismanagement by those responsible for overseeing our nation’s financial policies. The ripple effects of these failures are being felt in every household across the country, worsening poverty and crippling economic activity.“The floating of the Naira, which was initially sold to Nigerians as a means of stabilizing our currency, has done little to prevent the continued devaluation of the Naira. In fact, the exchange rate disparity has widened significantly, with the Naira losing value daily, impacting the cost of living, basic commodities, and inflation.“While this policy was expected to ease foreign exchange pressure, it has instead deepened economic challenges due to poor implementation and lack of strategic foresight.”The coalition also expressed concern over what it described as a death trap of indebtedness of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), which also they claimed had slowed down importation of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, hence the current shortage of PMS across the country. “Of equal concern is the precarious position of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), which finds itself in a debt trap, with global suppliers of petroleum products losing confidence in Nigeria’s ability to honour its obligations.“Reports have shown that NNPCL has accrued debts totalling over $6 billion, causing petrol supply shortages. International suppliers are now reluctant to continue providing fuel on credit, exacerbating supply chain issues and pushing up the price of petrol at the pump”, they claimed.The CSOs also asserted that, “We hold the managers of the Nigerian economy responsible for these disturbing developments. Their inability to provide sound policies and long-term solutions has left the nation in this predicament.“It is clear that there is no cohesive strategy to address the rising debt, the growing imbalance in the foreign exchange market, or the country’s heavy reliance on importation for petrol supply. The recent hike in fuel prices reflects the collapse of responsible economic management and accountability.“Nigerians are left to bear the brunt of these failures. Businesses are shutting down, transportation costs have skyrocketed, and citizens are spending an increasingly larger percentage of their income on basic necessities. This state of affairs is unacceptable.”The group therefore placed some demands; Immediate intervention from the government: There needs to be a comprehensive and transparent plan to stabilize the Naira, restore confidence in the petroleum supply chain, and negotiate a restructuring of NNPC’s debts to ensure continuous fuel supply.“Accountability for economic mismanagement: Those responsible for the reckless management of our foreign exchange policies and NNPC’s debts must be held accountable. The government must also disclose its plan to mitigate the rising fuel costs and economic burden on Nigerians.“A return to sound financial policy: The floating of the Naira has proven ineffective under current conditions. We call for a re-evaluation of monetary and fiscal policies to stabilize the economy, reduce inflation, and attract foreign investment.“In conclusion, the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations reiterates that without immediate corrective measures, the economic situation will continue to deteriorate, leading to further hardship for the average Nigerian. The government must act decisively and responsibly to reverse this downward spiral”, they added.NEWS
Tension in Makurdi Community as NAF Personnel Demolishes Houses, Destroys Rice Farm
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There is growing tension in Ugondu community, Makurdi LGA, Benue state by young people opposed to the demolition of houses and destruction of rice farms in the area allegedly on the directives of senior Air Force officer, Air Commodore Akinbuwa Ayodele.
It was learnt that Commodore Ayodele, who is facing multiple legal actions following dispute over a plot of land located on George Akume Way Makurdi and owned in blatant disregard to the judicial process embarked on destruction of structures on the plot.
Eyewitness said when the equipment arrived no one imagined it was for destruction.
But in a militray- like operation, two flats of two units each, completely roofed, electrified and plumbing work completed were among the structures demolished as the bulldozers rolled over rice farms in the vicinity as well.
It was learnt that last year, a Makurdi High Court presided by Justice Mary Ijohor, granted an order of perpetual injunction, in the same matter, upon application by the supposed owner of the plot and awarded the sum of One Million Naira (N1,000,000.00) only, as cost. The matter, enforcement of fundamental rights, was marked as MHC/582/M/2023.
Godwin Akor whose rice farm was destroyed in a chat with newsmen said that he was shocked at the development. He however said he won’t speak more on the matter as it is still before the court.