Urgent Overhaul of Nigeria's Mining Laws Necessary for Sustainable Development

The National President of the Nigerian Metallurgical Society (NMS), Dr Fidelis Achiv, has emphasized the need for an urgent overhaul of Nigeria's mining laws to align with global best practices and ensure that subnational governments gain fairer economic benefits from mineral resources located within their territories. Speaking at the 40th Annual Conference and General Meeting of the NMS, Achiv stated that Nigeria's current mining framework remains outdated and overly centralized, preventing subnational governments from participating meaningfully in mineral resource management and industrial development. He warned that unless the laws are reformed, Nigeria will continue to suffer huge revenue losses and governance gaps that discourage investment and transparency in the solid minerals sector.

Key Takeaways:

• Dr. Fidelis Achiv, National President of the Nigerian Metallurgical Society (NMS), called for an urgent overhaul of Nigeria's mining laws to align with global best practices and ensure fairer economic benefits for subnational governments.
• Nigeria's current mining framework is outdated and overly centralized, preventing subnational governments from participating meaningfully in mineral resource management and industrial development.
• The nation loses billions of naira annually through the export of unprocessed minerals, undermining industrialization, job creation, and value addition.
• The NMS aims to strengthen collaboration between government, academia, and industry players to bridge the gap between research and industrial application.
• Emeka Okengwu, CEO of Anthill Concept Limited, called for transparent guidelines on data and exploration rights, noting that the absence of clarity on data ownership discourages investors and complicates accountability.
• Okengwu also advised the government to enact legal provisions mandating training and certification programs for local mining professionals and ensure that local government representatives possess the technical knowledge to engage effectively in mining operations.
• Bege Gaiya, executive chairman of Zangon Kataf Local Government Area, called for tighter oversight of mining operations to curb illegal activities, environmental degradation, and social conflicts in mineral-bearing communities.
• The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to reviving Nigeria's steel and metallurgical industry as a cornerstone for industrialization and job creation, with ongoing reforms including the implementation of a 10-year Steel Industry Roadmap and the revival of the Ajaokuta Steel Company.

Statistics:

• Nigeria loses billions of naira annually through the export of unprocessed minerals.
• The nation has more than 44 distinct mineral resources, but its mining industry has yet to deliver industrial value proportionate to its potential.
• The federal government is implementing a 10-year Steel Industry Roadmap in collaboration with the World Bank, aimed at increasing local iron ore supply chain and reducing import dependence by over $1 billion annually.
• The Ministry of Steel Development is partnering with the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) to produce military hardware locally and promote the production of green steel.

Sources:

• "Nigeria's Mining Laws Need Urgent Overhaul, Says NMS President" (The Guardian)
• "Nigeria to Revive Ajaokuta Steel Company, Develop Local Iron Ore Supply Chain" (BusinessDay)
• "Nigeria's Steel Industry Roadmap: A 10-Year Plan for Industrialisation" (The Punch)
• "Minister of Steel Development Reaffirms Government's Commitment to Reviving Nigeria's Steel Industry" (Vanguard)