REPS DECRY DISREGARD FOR NIGERIAN LAWS BY CHINESE MINING COMPANIES 30-05-25
By Sadiq Aminu The House of Representatives Committee on solid minerals has decried the alarming disregard for Nigerian laws by several mining companies, particularly Chinese-owned firms operating in the country.
The committee, which is currently investigating illegal and unregulated mining practices, expressed shock at the evasive behavior of some company executives and threatened license suspensions for non-compliant firms.
At an engagement meeting with stakeholders at the National Assembly in Abuja, the Chairman of the House Committee on Solid Minerals, Mr. Jonathan Gaza condemned the absence of company heads during critical parliamentary summons.
“We were quite taken aback by the brazen disregard for our laws, most of these companies, especially those owned by Chinese nationals, have deliberately refused to appear before the Parliament of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It is unacceptable that the managing directors of some of these firms reside in China and leave only technical staff to manage Nigerian operations”
Among the companies cited for failing to honor parliamentary invitations were Arab Contractors, Selsing Stone Limited, Homerset, Kaji Investments, Zeyin Jinja Investment Limited, Hasba Group of Companies, Viva Mines, Venus Mining Company, Tim Cornerstone, and Inorganic Earth.
The committee also raised concerns about mining firms’ failure to meet regulatory requirements for operating in Nigeria.
According to the Committee, some companies reportedly lacked valid environmental and social impact assessments, community development agreements (CDAs), and environmental protection plans.
Mr. Gaza particularly expressed concerned by the findings during site inspections, which revealed poor environmental practices and disregard for host communities.
“What we saw in the mines during our inspection was deeply troubling. In some cases, the companies have not even met the basic requirements to operate,
Responding to the concerns raised by the committee, the Director of the Mining and Environmental Control Department, Vivian Okono acknowledged the low level of compliance across the industry but said reforms were underway.
She explained that under Section 116 of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, companies are required to submit detailed environmental and social plans before operations commence.