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Stakeholders in the solid minerals sector have advocated the allocation of 10 per cent benefits to host communities as a way to promote peaceful coexistence between miners and locals.
They also suggested a 10-year renewable mining lease instead of the current 25-year lease outlined in the Solid Minerals Mining Act (2007).
These recommendations were presented at a public hearing for the repeal and enactment of the "Nigeria Mineral Development Company Limited (Establishment) Bill 2023" organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Solid Minerals.
During the hearing, a representative of Renevlyn Development Initiative, Tobias Lengs, expressed concerns about the health risks associated with mining activities, environmental degradation, and the lack of adequate care for miners in host communities.
Lengs proposed an increase in the revenue allocated to the Community Development Association, recommending that 10 per cent be allocated and regularly reviewed.
He also suggested that the current 25-year mining lease arrangement allows operators to act with impunity at a significant cost to the nation, and instead proposed a 10-year lease to hold operators more accountable for their actions.
He emphasized the need for flexibility in the community development agreement to allow host communities to determine the best use of funds based on their evolving needs.
Representatives from the Environmental Defenders Network and the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency raised concerns about the bill granting excessive power to the minister.
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