Stakeholders in the solid minerals sector have called for stronger collaboration between the government, mining companies, and host communities to ensure safer practices and protect vulnerable populations.
They made the call on Wednesday during a meeting between the Federation of Nigerian Mining Host Communities (FNMHC) and the Ebonyi State Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development, Chidi Onyia.
The stakeholders also stressed the need for the state government to set up a small committee to develop a framework and funding model for a workshop.
They noted that sensitisation was critical to reducing accidents and disputes, adding that non-governmental organizations exist to complement and not oppose the government.
Former Commissioner for Solid Minerals and State Coordinator of FNMHC, Francis Orji, said host communities bear the greatest risks in mining but remain the least empowered.
According to him, the only illiterates in this business are the host communities, adding that the miners are rich, the government is rich, but the communities remain the poorest and most vulnerable.
“If their interests are not protected, their vulnerability will escalate and even threaten government stability,” he stated.
Orji commended the ministry for site visits and dispute resolutions but urged wider publicity to build trust and awareness.
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However, he expressed concern over the illegal operations at sealed pits and stressed stricter monitoring to prevent accidents.
Similarly, the South-East Zonal Coordinator of FNMHC, Kelechi Okezie, referenced the recent tragedy at the Ajirija mining site in Ihietutu, where a pit collapse claimed two lives.
He lauded the ministry and the Federal Mines Office for sealing the site but warned against unauthorised activity in spite of the closure.
“When an area is sealed, it should remain sealed. Effective monitoring is necessary because prolonged closure without resolution can cause unrest in host communities,” Mr. Okezie said.
He advocated for a stakeholders’ conference where mining companies, host communities, and governments could share experiences and adopt best practices.
