Benue has 34 solid minerals out of 44 found in Nigeria – Mnyim
By Bridget Tikyaa Ikyado
The Benue State Government says 34 out of the 44 solid minerals in commercial quality in Nigeria are in the state.
The State Chairman, Mineral Resources and Environment Management Committee (MIREMCO), Barrister Fidelis Mnyim, disclosed this at a press conference in Makurdi.
Barrister Mnyim who is also the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, said the state was hugely blessed with over 85 percent of the country’s mineral deposits.
He said the committee has been mandated to ensure that mineral deposits in the state were fully exploited and miners conform to laid down regulations.
The chairman explained that the committee would be advising the Minister of Solid Minerals on issues related to the sector in Benue, and serve as link between the Federal and State Governments, miners and host communities.
He said the committee would ensure smooth mining activities in Benue communities, as well as conducive working relationship between locals and miners.
“The committee is to advise the Minister of Solid Minerals on all issues relating to the sector for effective action. We will also liaise with and create synergy between the Federal Government, State and the host communities to ensure that mineral resources are properly developed and harnessed.
“We will also ensure that the State Internally Generated Revenue is increased through the collection of the 13 percent royalties collected on mining.”
The chairman expressed concern over the activities of illegal miners and improper coordination of mining activities in the state, which has robbed the government of vital revenue.
He said this must stop, adding that going forward, the committee would have a desk officer responsible for collating the data of all miners operating in the state.
Barrister Mnyim explained that the committee would interface with all categories of miners, including those with licence but not involved in mining activities, those engaged in mining without proper licence, and those with licence and mining but not paying relevant fees to government.
He added that the committee would ensure that host communities collect the exact surface rent and sign the appropriate mining agreement with miners operating in their localities.
According to him, government will streamline mining activities and tackle the menace of illegal miners who are contributing significantly to the current security challenges in the state.
