Nasarawa assembly passes bill to regulate mining activities

Nasarawa assembly passes bill to regulate mining activities

On Tuesday, the Nasarawa House of Assembly passed a mining bill designed to regulate the issuance of land consent and community agreements for mining activities. Speaker Danladi Jatau announced the bill's passage, highlighting its potential to improve mining practices and reduce illegal mining in the state.

The law introduces strict penalties for violations: corporate mining entities could face fines of up to N10 million or imprisonment for 2 to 5 years, while individuals and groups involved in illegal mining could be fined N5 million or face similar imprisonment terms.

In addition to penalties, the bill establishes a community development fund (CDF), requiring mining companies to contribute 5% of their annual revenue. Half of the CDF will go towards direct payments to the affected communities, while the other half will fund infrastructural projects and social services to improve community welfare.

The bill has passed the third reading, and the next step is for the clerk to present the clean copy to the governor for assent.