…as bill provides for creation of community development fund, others.
By Musa Baba Adamu
The Nasarawa State House of Assembly, has declared that it would pass into law A Bill for a Law to Provide for the Regulation and Control of Issuance of Land Consent and Community Agreements to Mining Entities by Mining Communities and Other Matters Related Thereto, today.
Rt. Hon. Dr. Danladi Jatau, the Speaker of the House announced this after deliberation on the bill during the House proceedings today in Lafia.
The Speaker said that the bill, if passed and assented to would address the challenges of illegal mining in the State.
The Speaker said that section three of the bill mandates the creation of a Community Development Fund (CDF) to promote sustainable welfare of the mining communities through the provision of infrastructural projects and social services.
” Which includes education, healthcare and livelihood support programme” he said.
“Mining Entities/Companies shall contribute 5% of their annual revenue to the CDF. 50% of funds in the CDF Account is to be utilized for cash payment to the benefitting Community, Whereas 50% is to be directed towards projects financing” he said.
“Section four of the bill calls for the establishment of Community Development Monitoring Unity (CDMU)
” The Community Development Monitoring Unit (CDMU) shall:
(a) Review and approve CDAs.
(b) Monitor the implementation of Community Projects.
(c) Audit Financial Allocation and Expenditures related to Community Development” he said.
” Section Five of the bill said that the mining Companies shall submit detailed annual reports on community development expenditures and projects execution to (CDMU) and the Local Government Area.
Dr. Jatau said that the recommendations of the bill also contained penalties for breach or non-compliance with the provisions of the law, especially in reneging on Community Development Agreements CDA.
“The penalties for breach or non-compliance with any provisions of this Law shall be as follows:
(a) For Corporate Mining Entities/Companies shall pay a fine of the sum of Ten Million (¥10,000.000.00) Naira or a minimum of two (2) years and a maximum of five (5) years imprisonment.
(b) Any individual or person shall pay a fine of the sum of Five Million (N5,000.000.00) Naira or a minimum of two (2) years and a maximum of five (5) years imprisonment.
“Any group of person or individuals, shall each pay a fine of the sum of Five Million (N5,000.000.00) or a minimum of two (2) years and a maximum of five (5) years imprisonment” he said.
Hon. Suleiman Yakubu Azara, the Majority Leader of the House moved a motion for the adoption of committee report.
Hon. Luka Iliya Zhekaba, the Minority Leader of the House seconded the motion.
The House unanimously adopted the report.
It would be reported that the bill is being sponsored by member representing Kokona East constituency, Hon. Daniel Oga Ogazi.
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