Reps Committee Cracks Down on Defaulting Quarry Operators, Threatens License Revocation
The House of Representatives Committee on Solid Minerals has taken a tough stance against quarry operators who are flouting the laws of the land, threatening to recommend the revocation of their mining licenses.
The Committee’s Chairman, Hon. Jonathan Gaza Gbefwi, issued the warning during an investigative hearing into the activities of mining companies in Nigeria.
According to Gbefwi, several quarry operators have been operating illegally or have failed to honour legislative summons, prompting the Committee to take drastic measures.
“We will not tolerate any form of disobedience or disregard for the laws of the land,” he stated. “Companies that are operating without the necessary permits or licenses will be shut down, and those that have failed to honour our invitations will face the consequences,” he said
Specifically, Gbefwi ordered Arab Contractors and Omatek to present all relevant documents authorizing their quarry operations or shut down immediately. The two companies have been accused of operating without the necessary permits, and their failure to comply with the Committee’s directives will result in severe penalties.
The Committee’s move is aimed at ensuring that quarry operators comply with the relevant laws and regulations governing the mining sector. Gbefwi expressed disappointment that several quarry operators had refused to honour the Committee’s invitations, describing their actions as a “flagrant disregard for the laws of the land.”
The House of Representatives Committee on Solid Minerals has been investigating the activities of mining companies in Nigeria, with a focus on ensuring that they operate within the ambit of the law. The Committee’s findings have revealed widespread irregularities in the sector, including illegal mining, tax evasion, and environmental degradation.
In a bid to address these challenges, the Committee has vowed to take decisive action against defaulting quarry operators. “We will not hesitate to recommend the revocation of licenses for companies that are found to be operating illegally or in breach of the relevant laws and regulations,” Gbefwi warned.
The threat of license revocation is a significant one, as it could have far-reaching consequences for the affected companies. Quarry operators that have their licenses revoked will be forced to shut down their operations, resulting in significant financial losses and job losses.
As the Committee continues its investigation, it is expected that more quarry operators will be summoned to appear before it. Those that are found to be in breach of the law will face the full weight of the Committee’s wrath, including the possibility of license revocation.
The move by the House of Representatives Committee on Solid Minerals is a welcome development, as it seeks to bring sanity to the mining sector and ensure that operators comply with the relevant laws and regulations. It is hoped that the Committee’s efforts will yield positive results and lead to a more transparent and accountable mining sector in Nigeria.
