Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, and the Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office, NMCO, have initiated a collaboration aimed at streamlining mineral resource management in the territory.
The synergy between the two agencies will ensure that conflicts between mineral titles and land titles are eliminated.
Speaking on Wednesday during a courtesy visit to the FCTA Department of Solid Minerals and Allied Matters on the issue of clearance permit/letter of no objection on Wednesday, Director-General of NMCO, Engr Simon Obadiah disclosed that the agency had established the synergy needed to partner the FCT in the administration and management of mineral resources.
The director-general also explained that the FCT has various departments, including those of the Inspectorate, Environmental, and Compliance, and Artisanal and Small-Scale, which would work together with MCO to ensure effective management of mineral resources.
He noted that the synergy would enable the FCT maintain its sanctity and prevent mining activities from taking place in unauthorised areas.
“The FCT will be able to streamline and ensure that at the end of the day, it maintains its sanctity in terms of what it is supposed to be, not to find mining pits here and there,” he said.
He expressed optimism that the new development would improve the management of mineral resources in the FCT and attract foreign investments to the sector.
“These things that we are doing is because of the administration of President Bola Tinubu and it is in line with the seven-point agenda aimed at repositioning the mining sector.
“The work that the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake is doing in the sector gives us the necessary support,” he said.
Earlier, the Overseeing Director, FCT Department of Solid Minerals and Allied Matters, Obrike Chinyelu noted that the synergy is crucial for effective management of mineral resources.
She said, “We are here to take off and do what we are supposed to be doing. We believe that we are going to get a lot of information from here and people believe we have well-experienced people who have been driving this process for the federation and FCT.”
Chinyelu disclosed that the FCTA Department of Solid Minerals and Allied Matters was established in November 2022 to moderate and harmonise mining activities in the territory.
She also explained that prior to her assumption of office, the department was waiting for the approval of operational guidelines from the FCT minister, which was finally granted on March 26.
“We want to document and really know who and who are mining in the FCT. Part of our mandate is to ensure that mining operators meet their obligations, such as community development agreements.
“The department aims to address complaints of encroachment and illegal mining activities, ensuring that mining operations are properly coordinated and documented.
“Additionally, the MCO will work with the FCT Department of Solid Minerals and Allied Matters to streamline the licensing process, ensuring that all mining activities are properly licensed and in compliant with regulations.
“The collaboration also aims to promote the ease of doing business in the FCT, ensuring that mining operators can conduct their activities without unnecessary hurdles,” she said.
Chinyelu noted that the department is committed to driving the process, linking and communicating with other stakeholder departments and coordinating activities.
“We need them to do those businesses. That is the reason why the department was established. We are also looking at how we can get the FCT master plan on the MCO map to tackle potential disputes,” she said.
