By: Garba Musa Yakasai
The House of Representatives has begun deliberations on a bill that could reshape relations between Nigeria’s mining companies and their host communities, with stakeholders sharply divided on its potential impact.
The legislation, sponsored by Hon. Sunday Dekeri (APC, Edo), passed second reading in July 2024. It seeks to establish a commission that will safeguard the rights of communities hosting solid mineral mining activities and ensure they benefit directly from resources extracted from their lands.
The bill came under review on Thursday during a public hearing of the House Committee on Solid Minerals Development. Community leaders at the session strongly backed its passage, arguing that decades of mineral exploitation have left host communities impoverished, with little to show for their natural endowments.
“Mining has brought us more hardship than development. This bill gives us hope that our people will finally share in the wealth beneath their feet,” one community representative told lawmakers.
Industry stakeholders, however, raised concerns that the proposed law may duplicate existing regulations and create additional bureaucracy for operators. Some warned that overlapping mandates could slow investment in the sector and discourage foreign investors.
Nigeria’s mining sector, though rich in resources such as gold, limestone, and tin, has long faced criticism over poor community relations, environmental degradation, and lack of tangible benefits for locals. Analysts say the bill, if passed, could mark a turning point in addressing these issues, though its implementation remains key.
Lawmakers assured that wider consultations will guide the next stage of legislative scrutiny before the bill proceeds to the committee of the whole.
