The Gombe state Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has issued an Executive Order to monitor and regulate mining activities exposing the state to environmental hazards.
Spokesperson of the state Governor, Uba Misilli made this known in a statement issued on Thursday in Gombe, saying the order, which takes immediate effect will address challenges associated with degradation, insecurity and exploitation of host communities.
The statement noted that mining entities will be required to submit Community Consents and Community Development Agreements to the state’s Ministry of Justice through the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources for vetting before any operations can commence.
According to it, miners arriving in Gombe State must undergo screening to verify their citizenship, relevant permits, and the legal status of their operations.
It partly read: “The committee comprises representatives from various state ministries, security agencies, and the Gombe Geographic Information Services (GOGIS). The MAMC is tasked with overseeing all mining operations in the state, ensuring compliance with state laws, and collaborating with federal agencies to minimize environmental impact.
“A significant aspect of the order is the requirement for all mining entities to submit Community Consents and Community Development Agreements to the state’s Ministry of Justice through the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources for vetting before any operations can commence. This measure is aimed at ensuring that mining activities are conducted in line with the interests of the host communities and that all agreements are legally sound.
“Also, the order mandates that all personnel of mining entities arriving in Gombe State must undergo screening by the MAMC to verify their citizenship, relevant permits, and the legal status of their operations. This step is intended to curb the influx of undocumented foreigners and ensure that only authorized individuals are involved in mining activities.
“It further emphasizes the need for mining entities to confine their operations within the boundaries established by the Minerals and Mining Act of 2007. The MAMC is also empowered to assist federal agencies in managing and mitigating environmental impacts resulting from mining activities, as well as rehabilitating disturbed lands.
“The order also outlines the roles of the Gombe State Internal Revenue Service (GIRS) and local government councils in collecting state-based taxes, levies, and fees from mining entities. The MAMC, in collaboration with these agencies, is responsible for ensuring full compliance with the order and initiating investigations and prosecutions of any violators.”
Land Revocation
In another development, Governor Yahaya has issued an Executive Order revoking the rights of occupancy over lands situated in the BAP 4 Layout.
Mr Misilli, in another statement, said the decision comes after an extensive audit and verification exercise conducted by the Gombe State Project Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation (PIME) Committee.
According to the statement, PIME had identified significant irregularities and breaches of the terms and conditions associated with the land grants.
The statement noted that grantees of the right of occupancy had failed to adhere to the clear terms and conditions set forth in the grants. Therefore, all rights of occupancy granted over lands within the BAP 4 Layout have been revoked, citing breaches of the grant terms and the overriding public interest.
“The BAP 4 Layout, originally designed and allocated by the then Bauchi State Government prior to the creation of Gombe State in 1996, has been the subject of neglect and developmental stagnation for over four decades.
“The PIME Committee’s findings highlighted a series of concerning issues, including the failure of titleholders to develop their plots, illegal conversions, subdivisions, and encroachments that have distorted the layout beyond recognition.
“Furthermore, the public-use components of the layout plan, such as schools, health facilities, and access roads, have been compromised, rendering the area non-compliant with modern standards.” it hinted.
The statement added that gully erosion, non payment of ground rent and poor documentation had triggered the government’s decision.
It identified affected lands situated at the following geographical coordinates: – Latitude 10°16’05.9″ N, Longitude 11°08’04” E (by New Mile Three); – Latitude 10°16’37” N, Longitude 11°08’09” E (bordered by Wuro Liman); – Latitude 10°16’34” N, Longitude 11°07’25” E (by the New Mile Three roundabout); – Latitude 10°17’10” N, Longitude 11°07’15” E (by Gombe International Hotel); – Latitude 10°17’14” N, Longitude 11°07’40” E (by Orji/Shongo Housing Estate).
While noting that affected parties no longer possess rights of occupancy, it added that landowners with unexhausted improvements will be fairly and equitably compensated for the value of those improvements.
The Executive Order also directed the Gombe State Geographic Information Service (GOGIS) to redesign the BAP 4 Layout to make it functional, livable, and connected to the broader community.
The redesign will include the creation of average-sized plots for commercial and residential use, resizing plots to accommodate public utilities, and planning for proper road networks, sidewalks, water supply, and other essential infrastructure.
