Alake issues 90-day ultimatum to MIREMCO on performance improvement, threatens sanctions

During the 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of MIREMCO Chairmen, Dr. Alake expressed his disappointment with the agency’s current effectiveness, stating that it is MIREMCO’s primary role to facilitate communication among sub-national governments, local communities, operators, and the federal government to reduce conflicts.

“The federal government relies on your reports regarding the activities or inactivity of operators and their compliance with environmental regulations and other relevant laws. We are not satisfied with how this mandate is being carried out, and we will not hesitate to take action if the committee does not improve within 90 days,” the minister declared.

Referencing the Nigeria Minerals and Mining Act (NMMA) 2007, Section 19, sub-section 3g, which mandates MIREMCO to serve as a liaison among subnational authorities, local governments, communities, and operators, Alake emphasized that the committee has not effectively executed this duty.

He remarked, “Had MIREMCO implemented the provisions of the act, the level of interference from subnational entities, including local governments shutting down mines and making unconstitutional policy decisions, would have been significantly reduced. The shortcomings of this body have allowed states to overstep their constitutional boundaries.”

Highlighting the involvement of subnational authorities in MIREMCO’s operations, Dr. Alake pointed out that the chairmen and five out of ten committee members are nominated by state governments, ensuring their interests are represented within the committee’s framework.

In a stern message, the minister urged the chairmen to motivate their members to enhance their performance, warning that failure to do so would leave the federal government no choice but to take appropriate measures to ensure effective management of the nation’s mineral resources and related environmental issues.

In response to concerns raised, Alake promised to engage with the committee regularly and to advocate for increased funding for the agency in the 2025 fiscal year to strengthen its capacity to fulfill its mandate effectively.