Efforts by the federal government to revitalise the mining sector and transform it into a major source of revenue for the nation could face challenges if the Ministry of Solid Mineral Development does not take action regarding the issues faced by investors dealing with local communities.
Mr. Daniel John Baraya, the Head of Corporate Operations and Communications at Ellipse Group of Companies, emphasised in an interview with journalists in Jos, the Plateau State capital, that in order for the current administration to realize its goal of reviving the economy, it is crucial to safeguard local investors in the mining sector from communities and individuals who employ various strategies to hinder the efforts of genuine investors in the industry.
He narrated that the government cannot attract foreign investors into the sector if the investors are not adequately protected adding that the government should intensify efforts in providing an enabling environment to attract investors into the mining sector.
Baraya who advised the government to ensure due diligence before consummating any form of agreement and be ready to defend such agreement added that most of the challenges such as hostility from the communities, and state interference among others might drive away private mining investors.
“In our case, we have a site in Adamawa state, we got the licence some years ago and we did everything but to our greatest surprise some key individuals around that Community decided for some reason that they would never allow us to work. Those individuals are quite influential and some Community leaders, they came up with some antics.
“The Ministry of Mines should support investors in the mining industry. If the ministry gives me a paper to say this is my mineral title and for some reason, the mineral is being challenged, they are supposed to stand by the paper given to me.
“The Ministry has to stand up to address this situation, our last resort is the ministry if they can do anything, it means we are helpless.
“My call to the federal government is to protect the investors and the title. If you give them paper that this is your minerals concession, protect them. Nobody should mess up with the minerals title for frivolous reasons, it is economic sabotage.
“The Ministry needs to protect the title. We have to do it before any foreigner will come in. If the foreigners read the story of what we are facing in Nigeria they would not want to invest in the country.
“Who in Australia will leave his country to invest in Nigeria when the local ones are being maltreated? They should protect those of us that are here, that would encourage the foreign investors, they would not come unless they see us doing well”, he said.
