Issue Executive Order to Boost Solid Minerals Development, Stakeholders Urge Tinubu 

Folalumi Alaran in Ilorin 

Stakeholders in Nigeria’s minerals and metals sector have urged the Federal Government to issue an executive order aimed at curbing the exportation of lithium and other energy minerals in their raw form.

The plea was made during the 5th National Council on Mining and Mineral Resources Development (NCMMRD) meeting held in Ilorin, Kwara State which saw the convergence of over 100 industry professionals.

The stakeholders, representing various entities such as Miners Association of Nigeria, Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, law enforcement agencies, and state representatives, emphasized the critical need for a periodic review of royalties on lithium and other energy transition minerals.

Stakeholders, who were divided into five thematic groups, outlined key recommendations to propel the solid minerals sector into a new era of sustainable development.

Among the recommendations were empowering and adequately funding relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to carry out their functions effectively, as it is important to introduce targeted incentives specifically for lithium miners to attract investors and ensure shorter investment payback periods.

In addition, the group called for synergy between the government, industries, operators and academia in the lithium business, emphasizing the necessity for periodic reviews of royalties on energy transition minerals. 

Infrastructure development was also highlighted as a priority, urging the government to assist with roads, railways and power infrastructure to facilitate mining operations.

Curbing illegal mining operations, stakeholders proposed amendments to the Minerals and Mining Act of 2007 and the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Regulations of 2011. 

The recommendations included strategies such as the enforcement of existing laws, establishment of special courts for illegal mining trials, enhanced surveillance and monitoring of mine fields, community engagement and public awareness campaigns.

Other recommendations were the involvement and improving collaboration between federal, state and local governments, strengthening and adequately funding the Mineral Resources Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO), and proper funding of the Special Mines Surveillance Taskforce (SMSTF) to tackle illegal mining and reduce environmental degradation.

They also recommended a review of constitutional and legal provisions related to mining, including section 44 of the Nigerian Constitution of 1999 and the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act of 2007. 

The stakeholders also urged the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development to recognize and support the established Mines Police of the Nigerian Police Force and to facilitate the acquisition of Small Scale Mining Leases (SSML) for formalized artisanal and small-scale miners.