Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has called on the Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee, MIREMCO, to enhance its operations within 90 days or face stringent sanctions.
In a statement signed by the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister, Mr. Segun Tomori, in Abuja, says Dr. Alake criticized MIREMCO’s Chairmen lackluster performance.
The statement emphasizes the committee’s critical role in mediating between federal authorities, subnationals, local communities, and mining operators to prevent conflicts and ensure compliance with environmental and mining regulations.
“The federal government is supposed to rely on your reports on the activities or inactivity of operators and whether they comply with environmental regulations and other sectoral guidelines. We are not impressed by the execution of that mandate, and we will not hesitate to wield the big stick if, after 90 days, the committee fails to turn a new leaf.”
According to the statement, Dr. Alake while citing Section 19, sub-section 3(g) of the Nigeria Minerals and Mining Act (NMMA) 2007, underscores MIREMCO’s legal obligation to act as a liaison among stakeholders.
The statement notes that the committee’s failure to execute this responsibility effectively has led to unwarranted interference by subnational governments in mining operations.
“If the provisions of the act had been effectively implemented, the spate of interference by states and local governments such as shutting down mines and issuing unconstitutional policy pronouncements would have been minimized. This failure has emboldened states to encroach into areas beyond their constitutional purview,” the Minister adds.
According to the statement, Dr. Alake highlights the significant representation of state governments in MIREMCO, with state-nominated chairmen and five out of ten committee members ensuring subnational interests are embedded in its operations.
The statement urges MIREMCO Chairmen to mobilize their members and reinvigorate the committee’s efforts warning that failure to comply within the stipulated period would prompt decisive federal government action to restore order in the management of Nigeria’s mineral resources.
It assures attendees of the federal government’s support, including improved funding in the 2025 fiscal year and regular engagements to strengthen MIREMCO’s capacity.
“We are committed to providing the necessary resources and platforms to enable MIREMCO to fulfill its mandate. However, this commitment must be met with measurable improvements in performance,” the Minister states.
This ultimatum sets a critical deadline for MIREMCO to address its shortcomings and align with federal government expectations in managing the nation’s vast mineral resources and addressing environmental concerns.
