Reps to govs: Executive orders eroding interest in mining sector

The House of Representatives Committee on Solid Minerals has asked governors to stop issuing executive orders regarding mining activities in their respective states.

The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Solid Minerals, Hon. Gaza Jonathan Gbefwi disclosed this while speaking at the closing ceremony of the 5th meeting of National Council on Mining and Mineral Resources Development (NCMMRD) held in Ilorin.

The event was themed: “Mineral and Metals: Panacea for Economic Growth and Diversity.

According to him, executive orders being issued by state governors regarding mining activities are sending wrong signals to investors.

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He said such action of the governors suggests that they are working in isolation with the federal government and at variance with the constitution.

Gbefwi said instead of issuing executive orders, “Governors should leverage on the Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO) to strengthen mining activities in their respective states”.

He said already, two bills that will strengthen activities in the sector initiated by the house had passed second reading.

“When you look at the Mining Act 007, there is a committee called the Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO), which gives the perfect opportunity for governors to have an active input in the running of solid minerals activities within the state.

“So instead of giving executive orders, strengthen MIREMCO where the governor is at leverage to appoint the chairman of that committee and the federal mine officer is a member of the committee.

“So when you have that committee even if you want to give out a new order, it will be through MIREMCO so that there is a full synergy and backing of the federal government along with the state. It’s not for the state to operate in isolation because it affects investors’ confidence and at variance with the constitution though which is subject to further interpretation.”