The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has given the Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO) a 90-day deadline to improve its performance, warning that failure to do so will result in severe sanctions from the federal government.
Addressing MIREMCO Chairmen at the 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM), Alake expressed his dissatisfaction with the committee’s current performance, emphasizing that MIREMCO’s core mandate is to serve as a liaison between sub-national governments, local communities, mining operators, and the federal government. He highlighted that the committee plays a crucial role in minimizing conflicts in the sector, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, and reporting on the activities of mining operators.
“The Nigerian Government relies on your reports on the activities or inactivity of operators, and whether they comply with environmental and other regulations governing the sector. We are not impressed by the execution of that mandate, and we will not hesitate to wield the big stick if, after 90 days, the committee fails to turn a new leaf,” Alake stated.
The minister cited Section 19, sub-section 3g of the Nigeria Minerals and Mining Act (NMMA) 2007, which mandates MIREMCO to act as a bridge between sub-national authorities, local governments, communities, and operators. Dr. Alake criticized the committee for its failure to effectively implement this provision, which he believes has contributed to the interference by state and local governments in mining operations. He noted that such interference often leads to unconstitutional actions, including local governments shutting down mines and making policy decisions that fall outside their legal remit.
“If the provisions of the act had been properly executed by MIREMCO, the spate of interference we witness by the sub-nationals, in some instances, local governments shutting down mines, making policy pronouncements that are outrightly unconstitutional, would have been minimal,” Alake remarked.
The minister underscored that sub-national authorities play a significant role in MIREMCO’s operations, as the chairmen and five out of the ten committee members are nominated by state governments, ensuring that their interests are represented in the committee’s work.
Alake issued a stern warning to the MIREMCO Chairmen, urging them to rally their members and improve their performance. He emphasized that the federal government would be left with no choice but to take decisive action if the committee fails to address its shortcomings.
In response to concerns raised during the meeting, the minister assured the committee of his commitment to periodic engagements and pledged to advocate for increased funding for MIREMCO in the 2025 fiscal year to strengthen its capacity to fulfill its mandate effectively.
