*Aimed at protecting host communities, safeguarding environment
By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has issued Executive Order No. 8 of 2024, aimed at tightening the monitoring and regulation of mining activities across Gombe State to protect host communities against exploitation and safeguard the environment.
A statement signed by the Director-General (Press Affairs) Government House Gombe, Ismaila Uba Misilli, made available Thursday, said that the order, which takes immediate effect, seeks to address various challenges posed by mining operations, including environmental degradation, security concerns, and exploitation of host communities.
Key provisions of the Executive Order include the establishment of a Mining Activities Monitoring Committee (MAMC), chaired by the Commissioner of Energy and Mineral Resources.
The committee comprises representatives from various state ministries, security agencies, and the Gombe Geographic Information Services (GOGIS). The MAMC is tasked with overseeing all mining operations in the state, ensuring compliance with state laws, and collaborating with federal agencies to minimize environmental impact.
A significant aspect of the order is the requirement for all mining entities to submit Community Consents and Community Development Agreements to the state’s Ministry of Justice through the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources for vetting before any operations can commence. This measure is aimed at ensuring that mining activities are conducted in line with the interests of the host communities and that all agreements are legally sound.
Also, the order mandates that all personnel of mining entities arriving in Gombe State must undergo screening by the MAMC to verify their citizenship, relevant permits, and the legal status of their operations. This step is intended to curb the influx of undocumented foreigners and ensure that only authorized individuals are involved in mining activities.
The Executive Order recognizes that while the Federal Government holds exclusive authority to grant mining licenses, the state government has a responsibility to ensure the welfare and safety of its citizens, particularly those in mineral-rich areas.
It further emphasizes the need for mining entities to confine their operations within the boundaries established by the Minerals and Mining Act of 2007. The MAMC is also empowered to assist federal agencies in managing and mitigating environmental impacts resulting from mining activities, as well as rehabilitating disturbed lands.
The order also outlines the roles of the Gombe State Internal Revenue Service (GIRS) and local government councils in collecting state-based taxes, levies, and fees from mining entities. The MAMC, in collaboration with these agencies, is responsible for ensuring full compliance with the order and initiating investigations and prosecutions of any violators.
The Gombe State Government has always expressed concerns over the unchecked activities of some mining entities, which have led to environmental damage, insecurity, and tension within host communities.
The Gombe State Government has also placed a moratorium on traditional rulers and community leaders from granting rights of occupancy for mining purposes without the approval of relevant state authorities. This move is to prevent unauthorized land use and ensure that all mining activities are conducted legally.
