Stakeholders in the solid minerals sector have called for stronger collaboration between 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 Nigeria Mining Host Communities (FNMHC) and the Ebonyi Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development, Mr Chidi Onyia, at the Centenary City, Ochudo State Secretariat.
Dr Francis Orji, former Commissioner for Solid Minerals and State Coordinator of FNMHC, said host communities bore the greatest risks in mining but remained the least empowered.
“The only illiterates in this business are the host communities; the miners are rich, 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,” Orji said.
He commended the ministry for site visits and dispute resolutions but urged wider publicity to build trust and awareness.
He cited Ihietutu community in Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government Area, as an example of best practice, noting visible improvements from corporate social responsibility projects such as concrete roads and housing.
Orji, however, expressed concern over illegal operations at sealed pits and stressed stricter monitoring to prevent accidents.
Dr Kelechi Okezie, South-East Zonal Coordinator of FNMHC, also referenced the recent tragedy at the Ajirija mining site in Ihietutu, where a pit collapse claimed two lives.
He praised the ministry and the Federal Mines Office (FMO) for sealing the site but warned against unauthorised activity despite closure.
“When an area is sealed, it should remain sealed. Effective monitoring is necessary because prolonged closure without resolution could also cause unrest in host communities,” Okezie said.
He recommended a stakeholders’ conference where mining companies, host communities and government could share experiences and adopt best practices.
Responding, Onyia pledged to engage the FMO on reports of illegal activity at the Ajirija site, warning that government would not condone violations.
“Anybody working in a sealed site is violating our order. Government is not in support of illegal mining, whether they are our people or not; we will enforce the law fully,” he said.
The commissioner explained that while government supported artisanal miners under certain conditions, such arrangements did not override lease rights or the need for order in mining areas.
On FNMHC’s request for support to host a workshop for miners, communities and stakeholders, Onyia said the ministry had no budgetary provision but welcomed discussions on joint funding with operators.
“This project will require funds beyond what the ministry can provide alone. Quarry operators and other stakeholders, who have the capacity, should support such an initiative,” he said.
In his closing remarks, Orji urged the commissioner to set up a small committee to develop a framework and funding model for the workshop.
He stressed that sensitisation was critical to reducing accidents and disputes, adding that NGOs existed to complement and not oppose government.
The meeting also addressed disputes in Amaeze community in Ishiagu and other host areas, with stakeholders agreeing that multi-agency collaboration involving security agencies, the FMO, NGOs and the ministry was vital for lasting solutions.
Our correspondent reports that FNMHC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting host communities’ rights while supporting sustainable mining that benefits both investors and residents. ENDS/)
