From Yakubu Mustapha Minna
Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago has disclosed that an Executive Bill; “Responsible Mining” is to be sent to the State Assembly for passage to sanitise mining activities in the State.
He made the disclosure when he hosted the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals, led by its Chairman, Sen. Ekong Sampson at his official residence in Minna.
Governor Bago said the Bill, when passed into law will spell out the procedures to follow in terms of mining.
He lamented over the activities of artisanal miners in the State, saying it has resulted to loss of many lives and property.
The governor further advocated removal of mining from the exclusive to the concurrent list in the constitution to give room for responsible mining in the state.
He appreciated the Senate Committee for the visit and reassured that the State will support and partner with the committee to achieve its set objectives.
The Chairman, Senate Committee on Solid Minerals, Sen. Ekong Sampson explained that part of the mandate of the Committee, is to look into the remote and immediate causes of the mining collapse, following a motion moved by the Senator representing Niger East Senatorial District, Sen. Mohammed Sani Musa on the floor of the Senate.
