The House of Representatives Committee on Solid Minerals has threatened to recommend the revocation of mining licenses for companies operating quarries in Nigeria that are either operating illegally or failing to honor legislative summons.
The Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Jonathan Gbefwi issued the warning during an investigative hearing into the activities of mining companies in Nigeria.
Gbefwi expressed displeasure that several quarry operators had refused to honour the committee’s invitations, describing their actions as a flagrant disregard for the laws of the land.
“It is unacceptable for companies to operate within Nigeria while disobeying extant laws and ignoring legislative oversight,” he said.
The committee’s oversight visit to several quarry sites in the Federal Capital Territory revealed a deplorable state of affairs, particularly the failure of companies to fulfill their community development obligations.
Gbefwi noted that many companies have technical employees residing in Nigeria, while managing directors and senior executives, mostly foreign nationals, remained in their home countries.
“We welcome foreign investment in Nigeria but we will not tolerate a situation where host communities are subjected to inhumane conditions and denied the benefits promised under signed agreements, ” said.
Gbefwi emphasised that Arab Contractors were found to be operating an illegal quarry site without securing the required approvals from relevant authorities.
Gbefwi warned that the committee might recommend the suspension or outright revocation of operational licenses for defaulting firms.
“Beyond recommending the suspension of operational licenses for defaulting firms, the committee might be compelled to push for the outright revocation of such licences,” he added.
The committee therefore ordered Arab Contractors and Omatek to present all relevant documents authorizing their quarry operations or shut down operations immediately.
