On Tuesday, the Nasarawa House of Assembly passed the mining bill that provides for the regulation and control of the issuance of land consent and community agreements to mining entities by communities.

Speaker Danladi Jatau, who announced the passage of the bill during the assembly plenary, said the law would boost mining activities.

Mr Jatau said when it becomes law it would address the challenges of illegal mining in Nasarawa.

The speaker highlighted some aspects of the law, including the penalties for breach or non-compliance with any law provisions.

“For corporate mining, entities/companies shall pay a fine of the sum of N10 million or a minimum of two years and a maximum of five years’ imprisonment. Any individual or person shall pay a fine of the sum of N5 million or a minimum of two years and a maximum of five years’ imprisonment.

“Any group of persons or individuals shall each pay a fine of the sum of N5 million or a minimum of two years and a maximum of five years’ imprisonment,” he said.

According to the speaker, the bill mandates the creation of a community development fund to promote the sustainable welfare of the mining communities through the provision of infrastructural projects and social services.

“Mining entities/companies shall contribute 5 per cent of their annual revenue to the CDF. Fifty per cent of the funds in the CDF Account are to be utilised for cash payment to the benefitting community, whereas 50 per cent is to be directed towards project financing,” he said.

The speaker directed the clerk of the house to produce a clean copy of the bill for the governor’s assent.

Majority leader Suleiman Azara had earlier moved a motion for the bill to scale the third reading and was seconded by minority leader Luka Zhekaba.

(NAN)