STAKEHOLDERS CALL FOR JOINT ACTION AGAINST ILLEGAL MINING IN CROSS RIVER
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By: Balogun Ibrahim
Stakeholders in Cross River State’s mining sector have urged greater cooperation among federal, state, and local governments, as well as traditional institutions, to tackle illegal mining and curb rising communal conflicts in host communities.
They also called for closer coordination with security agencies to address the growing menace, warning that illegal mining is worsening environmental damage and fuelling tensions across affected areas.
The appeal was made on Thursday in Calabar during a stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals in partnership with the Cross River State Government, civil society organisations, and other relevant bodies, focusing on environmental safety and community relations.
The Federal Mines Officer in the state, Ayelabola Olubunmi, said the initiative was aimed at boosting revenue generation from mining activities, noting that steps were being taken to plug leakages and potentially double earnings from solid minerals.
He explained that beyond quarry operations, the state has not fully tapped into its mining revenue potential, hence the push to strengthen oversight and compliance.
Olubunmi added that the programme brings together key actors—including the military, state officials, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the National Park Service, and the National Inland Waterways Authority—to ensure proper regulation and adherence to due process in mining operations.
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While acknowledging existing collaboration, he stressed the need for more decisive action against illegal mining, describing the sector as critical due to its economic value and environmental impact.
“Illegal mining is widespread, and we hope these discussions will produce practical solutions to significantly reduce it,” he said.
Chairman of the Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee, Prof. Archibong Otu, also called for stronger enforcement measures, highlighting the environmental and health risks associated with illegal mining.
He criticised regulatory bodies for issuing licences without adequate engagement with host communities, saying this has contributed to disputes and instability.
“Our environment has been severely damaged, and the hazards facing communities are alarming. Local leaders must be actively involved in monitoring and reporting these activities,” he said.
Otu further pointed to weak monitoring of royalty payments as a major cause of revenue loss, urging improved oversight and collaboration to ensure compliance.
Also speaking, the State Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Effiom Ekaha, emphasised the importance of coordinated efforts among all tiers of government and community stakeholders to develop the sector and prevent conflicts.
He stressed that investors must follow due process before commencing operations, warning that unauthorised activities would not be tolerated.
Ekaha noted that some operators secure licences at the federal level but begin work in communities without local consent, a practice he described as a key driver of disputes.
He advised community leaders to formalise land agreements through proper documentation and registration to avoid future conflicts and ensure transparency.
He added that a recent executive order was introduced to address discrepancies between licensed areas and actual community allocations, aimed at safeguarding local interests and improving accountability in the sector.
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