– Seeks constitutional reforms
Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has called for urgent constitutional and legislative reforms that would allow states to take direct control of their mineral resources, saying the current federal monopoly stifles development and undermines local economies.
Speaking in Calabar during a courtesy visit by members of the House of Representatives Committee on Solid Minerals, Otu argued that the legal framework governing the sector, particularly the 1999 Constitution, the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act 2007, and the Land Use Act of 1978, remains a major obstacle to resource development in states.
“Without any fear of equivocation, Cross River State is one of the solid mineral hubs in Nigeria,” the governor declared.
“We have limestone, granite, gold, uranium, barite, iron ore, kaolins, manganese and other minerals in commercial quantities. But for now, this is a dream that is yet to come true.”
Otu lamented that while the Federal Government earns huge revenues from the exploitation of these resources, host communities are left to grapple with environmental degradation.
“Here lies the albatross of solid minerals development in States, including Cross River State. While the Federal Government is drawing huge revenue from these minerals, the locals are constantly blighted by air and water pollution.”
The governor urged lawmakers to use the ongoing constitutional review process to address what he described as a structural imbalance in resource management.
“The House of Representatives should include the amendment of the relevant Acts in regard to Land Administration in the ongoing Constitutional Amendments,” he proposed.
“Ownership of solid minerals should be included in the Residual list, allowing states more control over their resources.”
According to him, such reforms would not only curb illegal mining but also improve state revenues and strengthen the Gross Domestic Product.
“The amendments, if enacted, will improve the livelihoods of citizens, reduce illegal mining, and ultimately lead to a rise in the state’s GDP,” Otu stressed.
Committee Chairman on Solid Minerals, Hon. Gaza Jonathan, said the lawmakers’ visit was to assess compliance of mining companies with the Minerals and Mining Act 2007 and the Explosive Act, as well as to participate in a Solid Minerals Expo in the state.
He warned against the dangers of illegal mining, citing its impact on lives and communities across Nigeria.
“We must take a critical look at how our people are actually getting their share of the minerals being exploited,” Jonathan stated.
The lawmaker also emphasized the importance of environmental remediation. “These areas should be filled back,” he said, recalling global examples where former mining sites have been transformed into tourist attractions.
Hon. Jonathan urged Governor Otu to strengthen the consent process for mining operations, stressing the need for agreements that clearly define the benefits accruing to host communities. “Communities must see tangible development from these resources,” he added.
