The House of Representatives Committee on Solid Minerals has threatened to make recommendations requesting that companies that run quarries across the nation revoke their mining licenses because they are operating illegally or by breaking legal deadlines.
Hon. Committee Chairman. At a hearing to examine the activities of Nigeria’s mining companies, Jonathan Gaza Gbefwi, from Keffi/Karu/Kokona, issued the warning.  ,
He specifically instructed Arab Contractors and Omatek to either submit all necessary paperwork to the appropriate authorities to stop operating their quarryes right away.
Gbefwi, a representative for Nasarawa State, expressed disappointment that several quarry operators had refused to follow the Committee’s instructions and described their conduct as a flagrant disregard for the laws of the land.
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He claimed that it is unacceptable for businesses to conduct business in Nigeria while breaking current laws and ignoring legislative oversight.
The Committee’s oversight of several quarry sites in the Federal Capital Territory, according to the lawmaker, revealed a déplorable state of affairs, particularly the failure of businesses to fulfill their commitments to community development.
He further revealed that only technical staff members from the companies he visited reside in Nigeria, while Managing Directors and senior executives, who are primarily foreigners, especially those from China, reside in their home countries.
Gbefwi stated that while we welcome foreign investment in Nigeria, “we will not tolerate a situation where host communities are deprived of the benefits promised under signed agreements.”
He continued, not obtaining the necessary approvals from the appropriate authorities, Arab Contractors was discovered operating an illegal quarry site.
Source: Channels TV
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