Jutha Gupah, Maiduguri
October 12, 2022.
The Borno State House of Assembly has passed a resolution to ban illegal mining that causes various environmental damages in the state.
In passing the resolution, Governor Babagana Zulum, is to liaise with the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development and critical stakeholders in the state.
Moving the motion on illegal mining, yesterday (Tuesday), Hon. Maigari Abari, representing Bayo constituency, disclosed: “The ongoing illegal mining of solid minerals in Bayo Council has caused environmental damages to people’s lives and property.”
He added that the hazardous environmental emissions has already affected Wuyo, Jaradali and Balbaya Communities in the state.
“The suspension of order eight of the house standing orders, rules 5(1-4), enabled me to seek support from the 27 other legislators to halt illegal mining in the state,” he said.
He reiterated that the Assembly should ensure that all illegal mining activities in the affected Communities be halted by passing a bill for assent by the Executive into law.
He lamented the environmental damages that degraded the ecosystem of the state for over two decades.
“There are losses in vegetation cover and landscapes,” he said, noting that the illegal mining has increased levels of radiation, emission and farmers’ land degradation with low productivity.
Abare’s motion, was therefore seconded by the Deputy Speaker, Abdullahi Askira, representing Askira-Uba) constituency.
The legislators representing other constituencies, unanimously called on the State government to liaise with security agencies and critical stakeholders to halt illegal mining in the state.
The Assembly urged the government to set up a high-powered committee to investigate the ongoing illegal mining of solid minerals.
According to Abare, the committee was to investigate illegal mining and bring the culprits to book.
He noted that regulated mining of solid minerals contributes to the local economy with youths’ increased job opportunities.
He warned that failure to check and regulate illegal mining, could lead to environmental pollution, economic decline and insecurity to lives and property.
During the plenary of the Assembly, it received an executive communications on two bills to establish the Borno State Agency for Investment Promotion and Private Partnership, as well as the Retirement Age for Primary and Secondary School Teachers in state civil service.
End.
