The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) will not tolerate any illegal mining activities or unsafe practices that endanger lives, destroy the environment, or undermine lawful operations in the territory.

Nancy Nathan, the acting head of service of the FCTA, stated this on Wednesday in Abuja while declaring open a stakeholders’ sensitisation meeting on the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for mining activities in the FCT.

The event was organised by the Department of Solid Minerals and Allied Matters (DSMAM), FCTA.

Ms Nathan, represented by her special assistant on special duties, Samaila Hamaila, said the DSMAM recently approved the FCT Solid Minerals Taskforce to enforce compliance with lawful mining operations.

The head of service said that sustainable mining was a shared responsibility for all stakeholders and was critical in repositioning the sector to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s gross domestic product (GDP).

Ms Nathan acknowledged the challenges affecting the sector and assured stakeholders that her office was working with relevant bodies to address them.

“The administration is working closely with the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, the Nigerian Mining Cadastre Office (MCO), the FCT Mines Officer, and other stakeholders to create an enabling environment where genuine miners can thrive,” she said.

She said the maiden sensitisation programme demonstrated collective effort to ensure that mining and quarrying activities within the FCT were conducted responsibly, lawfully, and sustainably.

Earlier in her remarks, Chinyelu Obrike, the director of the DSMAM, said the solid minerals and quarrying industries hold immense potential for driving economic diversification, job creation, and infrastructure development.

She, however, said that such benefits could only be realised when operations were conducted safely, lawfully, and with respect to the environment and host communities.

“The FCT Authority remains committed to supporting operators through transparent regulation, capacity building, and the creation of an enabling environment for legitimate business growth,” she said.

In his presentation, Timothy Shemang, head of the Quarry Mines and Economic Geology Division of the DSMAM, stated that the department was established to ensure that all mining and quarry activities were conducted in accordance with the FCT Master Plan and Act.

He said the department was also to coordinate the compliance of the SOPs, which were approved by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike on March 26, 2025.

Mr Shemang said the provisions of the SOPs include on-the-spot verification of quarries and mines (yet to commence) and the monitoring of all mining and quarry sites.

It also covers the issuance of clearance permits and the collection of annual surface rent as determined by the category of mining, among other provisions.

The stakeholders at the meeting decried overregulation of the sector and called for a clearer definition of the roles of different regulatory bodies.

(NAN)