The Commissioner for Mining and Energy, Hon. Enaholo Ojiefoh has called on host communities in the state to collaborate closely with the government in granting Mining Consent to miners for the initiation of Mining documentation.
The Commissioner who made this call during a solid minerals community stakeholders’ meeting themed “Fostering the Development of Mineral and Mining Host Communities”, held in the Ministry’s premises in Benin City, emphasized that mining operations and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, will be systematically regulated.
Hon. Enaholo explained that the communities needed to have an understanding on the dynamics of exploiting solid mineral deposits and businesses within their environment, as this would enable them engage effectively with the miners.
“It is crucial for the communities to comprehend the potential of their resources to maximize benefits. In the realm of mining business, the communities hold a strategic position. Without your consent, the Federal Ministry will not issue licenses to miners. We, as the Government, will enlighten you on the real value of what you possess. Often, what they give you is not equivalent to what they extract from your land. Any individual conducting a borrow pit in your community is causing harm to your land and it is imperative to ensure that value is extracted from these activities for the overall development of the community,” he explained.
The Commissioner assured the indigenous people from the host communities that they would receive training in solid mineral business acumen, empowering them to capitalize on the resources bestowed upon them by nature.
Hon. Enaholo stated that a mineral resources and environmental management committee had been set up, while informing them on the upcoming launch of the Edo State Solid Mineral Weekly Market Report.
On his part, The Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Engr. Ferguson Enabulele highlighted the necessity for communities to collaborate with Government when granting consent letters to miners.
Engr. Enabulele who was represented by Mrs. Stacy Osifo, the Director of Oil and Gas Operations emphasized that the Government aims to safeguard the rights of the host community while ensuring the preservation of existing peace and mutual benefits for both companies and communities.
Representing the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel, Engr. Ramos Naku, the Zonal Mines Officer, stressed the significance of community consent for miners to obtain licenses. He explained that mining operations can have destructive consequences, therefore communities needed to fully comprehend the implications of their consent.
Meanwhile, Mr. Akinmuko Richard, a representative of the Nigeria Civil Defense Corps (NCDC) stated that the core mandate of the Nigeria Civil Defense Corps involves protecting and surveillance on all critical Federal Government assets, including mining sites, across the country. He explained that all solid mineral deposits in Nigeria belong to the Federal government but are located in the states.
Speaking for the Nigeria Police Force, CSP Victor Igbinadolor assured that the Police would do all it takes to secure lives and properties, while maintaining peace.
The representative of the Directorate of State Security Service (DSS), Mr. Raymond Emmanuel affirmed that it is the duty of the Directorate to ensure that explosive materials possessed by solid mineral companies do not fall into the wrong hands.
During the interactive session, community members commended the Edo State Government for engaging with them and addressing mining operations in their areas to promote development. They also requested the Commissioner to visit mining sites in their communities for firsthand assessments of mining operations.
