The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has raised a red flag over the escalating illegal mining activities in the state, warning that the practice poses a significant threat to security, environmental sustainability, and the livelihoods of communities.
The lawmakers are urging the state Commissioner of Police, Umar Nadada, to take swift and decisive action to clamp down on the illegal miners and restore order in the affected areas.The call to action comes as the state grapples with the negative consequences of illegal mining, including environmental degradation, water pollution, and the displacement of communities.
The lawmakers are concerned that if left unchecked, the activities of the illegal miners could lead to a breakdown of law and order, compromising the safety and security of the people of Nasarawa State.”We are deeply worried about the growing menace of illegal mining in our state,” said Speaker Danladi Jatau.
“The activities of these illegal miners are not only destructive to the environment, but they also pose a significant threat to the security of our people. We cannot afford to fold our arms and watch as our state is ravaged by these unscrupulous individuals.
“The lawmakers are also commending Governor Abdullahi Sule for his efforts in attracting investors to the state, but emphasized that the government must ensure that all miners operate within the ambit of the law. “We appreciate the governor’s efforts in bringing investors to our state, but we must also ensure that these investors operate responsibly and in accordance with the law,” Jatau added.
According to the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, Nigeria loses an estimated N8 trillion annually to illegal mining activities. This revenue, if properly harnessed, could be used to develop the state’s infrastructure, improve healthcare and education, and create jobs for the youth.
Furthermore, the illegal mining activities are also causing environmental degradation, including deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution. The affected communities are also experiencing displacement, as their farmlands and homes are being destroyed by the illegal miners.The call to action by the Nasarawa State House of
Assembly is a significant step towards addressing the challenges posed by illegal mining activities in the state. It is hoped that the police and other security agencies will heed this call and take prompt action to flush out the illegal miners and ensure the safety and security of the people of Nasarawa State.
In addition, the state government must also take steps to ensure that the legal miners operate responsibly and in accordance with the law. This includes ensuring that they obtain the necessary permits and licenses, and that they adhere to environmental and safety standards.
The people of Nasarawa State are counting on their leaders to take decisive action to address the challenges posed by illegal mining activities. It is time for the government to take bold steps to protect the environment, ensure security, and promote economic development in the state.