By: Abba Onyekachukwu, Abuja.
The Urban-Rural Environmental Defenders (U-RED) has expressed deep concerns over the Senate Committee on Mining and Solid Minerals’ plan to review the nation’s mining law to protect Chinese investors’ interests. U-RED’s Lead Director, God’spower Martins, acknowledges the importance of attracting investments to the solid minerals sector but criticizes the committee’s revenue-centered approach, neglecting environmental and host community rights protections.
U-RED argues that the committee’s one-sided approach may lead to the exploitation of Nigeria’s resources, compromising environmental justice and host community protection. This oversight is particularly disturbing, given the country’s history of environmental degradation and community displacement due to mining activities.
The group urges the Senate Committee to adopt a more inclusive review process, considering the interests of all stakeholders, including environmental defenders, host communities, and investors. This approach would ensure that the mining law review prioritizes sustainable development, environmental protection, and social justice.
Other industry stakeholders have also expressed concerns over the mining law review. The Nigerian Minerals and Mining Sector stakeholders have faulted the National Assembly’s approach, citing inadequate consultation with stakeholders. They emphasize the need for a more inclusive and transparent process to ensure the revised law addresses the sector’s challenges effectively.
The Senate Committee on Mining and Solid Minerals has been tasked with reviewing the mining law to attract investments and boost the sector’s contribution to the economy. However, U-RED and other stakeholders are pushing for a more balanced approach that prioritizes environmental protection, social justice, and sustainable development.
Above is U-RED’s picture of Istanbul Quarry at Mbuko Community at Dutse Alhaji, Bwari Area Council, Abuja
