Benue State Takes Action to Address Illegal Mining and Boost IGR

Benue State has recently taken a major step towards addressing the issue of illegal mining activities within its territory.

The Chairman of the Benue State Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee, MIREMCO, and the State Commissioner for Justice, Fidelis Mnyim, has disclosed that the state is blessed with 34 out of the 44 solid minerals found in the country.

However, the state has been receiving only 13 percent derivative from the Federal Government due to the activities of illegal miners and criminal elements.

To combat this issue, the state government has established the MIREMCO Committee to ensure that the proper thing is done in the mining sector.

The committee’s main objectives include serving as an advisory body to the Minister of Solid Minerals, liaising with the Federal Government and host communities to ensure the proper development and harnessing of mineral resources, and increasing the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state.

The committee will also be responsible for monitoring and documenting all mining activities in the state, ensuring that all companies operating in the state have proper licenses and adhere to the laid down rules.

Additionally, the committee will ensure that companies execute Community Development Agreements (CDAs), which include the construction and maintenance of roads, provision of water for the community, and other incentives that follow the CDA.

The establishment of the MIREMCO Committee is a significant step towards addressing the issue of illegal mining in Benue State and boosting the state’s IGR.

By ensuring that proper royalties are paid to the Federal Government and that companies operating in the state adhere to the Mineral and Mining Act, the state can expect to see a significant improvement in its 13 percent derivative.