Nigeria Urges Mineral Title Holders To Prioritise Environmental And Community Responsibilities.

Mineral title holders in Nigeria have been called to take their environmental and community obligations seriously to avoid enforcement of compliance.

 

 

The Director of Mines and Environmental Compliance at the Ministry of Solid Mineral Development, Dr. Vivian Okono stated this during an interview with Voice of Nigeria at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

 

 

In instances where mineral title holders fail to meet their obligations, Dr. Okono emphasised the department’s firm stance on enforcement. “We work with the Mines Inspectorate Department to issue stop work orders. If necessary, we can even revoke a mineral title for non-compliance,” she explained.

 

“I will always be on their case,” she said, referencing her strong commitment to environmental protection. “If I see a community being affected, I will not rest until action is taken. We are all responsible for building a sustainable future for Nigeria.”

 

She also mentioned that the department has been proactive in reminding operators to submit the required documents, and in cases of continued neglect, the ministry has taken actions as severe as the suspension of mineral licenses.

 

Dr. Okono’s noted that her passion for environmental protection is evident, particularly in her efforts to mitigate the impact of mining on local ecosystems.

 

She spoke about the use of advanced field equipment, such as air quality and gas monitors, pH meters, and dissolved oxygen meters, which help track pollution levels and ensure that mining activities do not harm the environment.

 

Speaking on the primary duties of the Department of Mines and Environmental Compliance, Dr. Okono emphasised that the department’s key responsibility is ensuring that holders of mineral titles comply with environmental regulations. “When I say compliance, I am referring to adherence to environmental obligations,” she explained.

 

“Before starting operations, mining companies are expected to submit environmental documents, including the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and the Environmental Protection and Rehabilitation Program (EPRP), which helps manage the environmental impact of mining activities.”

“They will have the annual reclamation statement, which ensures the ministry to know the depth of excavation being carried out yearly.

 

They’re expected to submit that document before the 31st of December every year.

 

Then most importantly is the community development agreement to ensure the social and economic benefit to the mining host community.” She said.

 

Dr. Okono clarified the collaborative role the Ministry of Environment plays in the approval of these EIAs, explaining that while the Ministry of Environment holds the mandate for approval, the Ministry of Solid Mineral Development works closely with them to ensure thorough scrutiny.

 

“The EIA is a critical document that identifies the potential environmental impacts of a mining project and proposes mitigation measures to address these impacts.”

 

Commitment To Community Development

 

She focused on the department’s commitment to ensuring the welfare of mining host communities. Dr. Okono stressed the importance of community development agreements (CDA), which mining companies are expected to sign to guarantee that their operations benefit local populations.

 

“When a company extracts valuable minerals from a community, it must contribute to the development of that community,” she said.

 

This includes building schools, healthcare centers, and providing scholarships and vocational training to enhance the lives of those affected by mining operations.

 

Dr. Okono shared an example from Ogun State, where a mining company had failed to fulfill its CDA commitment to build a 700-seat town hall for the local community. After a formal complaint, the company was made to comply and complete the town hall.

 

“When we write to these companies, we give them a timeline for compliance, and we monitor closely to ensure they meet their obligations,” she said.

 

Sensitisation Programs And Stakeholder Engagement

 

While highlighting the department’s extensive outreach efforts. Dr. Okono noted that her team conducts regular sensitisation programs to educate stakeholders in the mining sector on environmental obligations and sustainability practices.

 

These programs, which have taken place in States such as Kwara, Ondo, and Lagos, aim to engage with miners, local government officials, and community leaders to create awareness of the importance of environmental responsibility.

 

“There is one community in Nassarawa, they say they go like 10 kilometres to get water. Because of that, they are drinking water from a lead pond. All the children there were all deformed.

 

But they said they were having spiritual problems. They didn’t know. We tried to educate; we tried to talk with them and all of that.” Dr. Okono noted.

 

She shared a recent example from Badagry, Lagos, where the department hosted a workshop involving various stakeholders, including traditional rulers, members of the Women in Mining, and representatives from the Mining Association.

 

The workshop included presentations on the revised 2023 CDA guidelines, the Environmental Protection and Rehabilitation Program, and the impact of climate change on mining activities.

 

“We learn and unlearn during these sensitization programs to make everyone aware of their environmental obligations,” she said.

Overcoming Challenges and Looking to the Future.

 

Despite the progress made, Dr. Okono acknowledged that her department faces significant challenges, including inadequate manpower and limited funding.

 

“With just 47 staff members across both the headquarters and State offices, it is a huge task to monitor mining activities in remote areas. One officer may be responsible for an entire state, which can be overwhelming,” she said.

 

Despite these challenges, Dr. Okono remains optimistic, pointing to the department’s successes in reclaiming abandoned mines and improving environmental compliance across the sector.

 

“We have come a long way,” she said. “When I joined this department, there was no compliance. But today, we can proudly say that the situation is improving, and we will continue pushing for better environmental practices within the mining industry.”

 

In her final thoughts, she said her passion for the environment and commitment to enforcing mining regulations reflect the ministry’s determination to ensure that the mining sector contributes to national development while safeguarding Nigeria’s natural resources for future generations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oyenike Oyeniyi