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By Stephen Adeleye.
Mr Otayitie Eminefo, Special Adviser on Energy to Kogi Governor on Wednesday says plans have been concluded to generate an appreciable revenue to build capacity mining industry across the state.
Eminefo told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lokoja, that Kogi House of Assembly had recently passed a bill on ‘Kogi State Mineral Resources Development Agency’ (MRDA) into law.
He disclosed that the bill was designed to create legislation around the guiding Act of the industry, and provide effective participation, exploration and exploitation of mineral resources within the state by the government.
Eminefo added that the agency was basically to generate revenue, build capacity and ensure that the used facilities by mining companies such as roads, water and land, are replenished.
According to him, the agency will be a one stop-shop for all mining activities within Kogi, and maximises revenue that come from mineral resources within its borders.
“It will ensure a cohesive funding for miners and increase their capacity, while protecting the citizens from suffering through mining activities within the state.
“Ensure that host communities benefit maximally as allowed by the Mineral and Mines Act of 2005 passed by the National Assembly, from the activities of the mining companies,” he said.
He noted that though mining was under the exclusive list, it cannot stop the state from legislating around the act to protect the state’s interest in the mining industry.
“Regulation is done by the Federal Ministry, but this agency would ensure that it had a full list of miners and mining companies who are operating within the state.
“The agency will collaborate with security agencies to ensure that the right thing is done in terms of the environmental impact assessment plans as the miners carried out their activities.
“It will also oversee the aspect that deals with the state including the local governments, which have share of the revenue generated within their borders,” he said.
Eminefo said the bill that established the agency was initiated and drafted by his office authorised by the governor; the first time Kogi would have a regulatory body for mining industry.
Eminefo, who doubles as the Chairman of The Petroleum Products Monitoring Committee (PPMC), commended the governor for his foresight in pushing the bill, and the State Assembly for its passage.
(NAN)
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