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NASARAWA, Nigeria - The Nasarawa House of Assembly On Tuesday approved a mining bill aimed at regulating and overseeing the granting of land consent and community agreements to mining companies by local communities.
During the assembly plenary, Speaker Danladi Jatau announced the bill's passage, stating that it would enhance mining operations.
He mentioned that once enacted, the law would tackle the issue of illegal mining in Nasarawa. The speaker outlined several components of the law, including penalties for violations or non-compliance with its provisions.
“For corporate mining, companies will face a fine of N10 million or imprisonment for a minimum of two years and a maximum of five years.
Individuals will incur a fine of N5 million or face the same imprisonment terms. Furthermore, any group of individuals will each be liable for a fine of N5 million or imprisonment for two to five years,” he stated.
In addition, the bill requires the establishment of a community development fund to enhance the sustainable welfare of mining communities by facilitating infrastructural projects and social services.
“Mining companies will contribute 5% of their annual revenue to the CDF. Half of the funds in the CDF account will go towards direct cash payments to the benefiting community, while the other half will focus on project financing,” he explained.
The speaker instructed the clerk of the house to prepare a clean version of the bill for the governor’s approval.
Majority Leader Suleiman Azara had previously proposed a motion for the bill to proceed to its third reading, which was supported by Minority Leader Luka Zhekaba.
