Business
Nigeria To Raise Mining License Fees, Other Charges – Dele Alake
The Nigerian government has indicated an intention for an upward review of mining licence rates and other sundry fees payable by mining operators in the country.
The minister of solid minerals development, Dr. Dele Alake, who announced this during a consultative meeting with stakeholders in the mining industry, stressed the imperative of the review to boost the capacity of the government to effectively reposition the mining sector.
Read Also: Senate Confirms Minimum Age Requirement For Admission Into Universities
In a statement by Segun Tomori, the minister’s special assistant on media, on Thursday, Alake enumerated efforts being made to reposition the mining industry, and revealed that asides from on-going reforms, the federal government was sanitizing the mining environment through the newly unveiled Mining Marshals, which he affirmed had been conducting operations in parts of the country to protect legitimate miners and combat illegal mining.
He solicited the support of stakeholders for the impending increase in fees for mining licenses and other sundry fees, and added that this move had become inevitable if government was to effectively fulfil its obligations of providing an enabling environment for mining operations whilst also raising more revenue for government.
“For us to continue to ensure that we secure the mining environment and keep putting in place measures that will ease the operational difficulties and challenges that confront miners, we need to review the rates of mining licenses and other sundry fees. We felt that we can’t just do this without letting you know because, invariably, you are the players in the industry,” the minister added.
On the recent revocation of dormant mining licenses, the minister noted that the government followed due process and extant laws guiding the action, emphasizing that a 30-day restitution window still exists for the affected operators.
The minister had recently announced a restitution fee of N10m, N7.5m, N5m and N2.5m for mining leases, small scale mining licenses, exploration licenses and quarrying licenses, respectively, for the revoked dormant licenses.
The same rule applies to those earlier revoked for default in payment of annual service fees.
In his submission, the director-general of the Mining Cadastral Office, Engr. Obadiah Nkom, who also chaired the fees review committee, stated that the committee recommended new rates that were affordable and will enhance the competitiveness of the fiscal regime of the mining sector in comparison with regional and global standards.
President of the Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN), Dele Ayanleke, who spoke on behalf of the stakeholders, commended the minister for his efforts to put the mining sector on the global front burner, expressing support for ongoing reforms and plans to review fees payable by operators.
He urged the minister to consider challenges faced by miners and ensure the rates are affordable.
Other stakeholders in attendance were representatives of Women In Mining (WIN), Gemstone Miners Association (GMA), top officials of the ministry and a host of others.
Business
Lawmaker Donates N70 Million To Farmers In Ebonyi
The member representing Ikwo/Ezza South federal constituency, Hon Chinedu Ogah has distributed a cash grant of N70 million and 200 bags of 25kg rice seeds to rural farmers in the constituency to ensure food sufficiency and end hunger in the area.
Read Also: Kwara State Governor Approved the Appointment of 16 LGA Development Officers
Hon Ogah who is the House Committee chairman on Reformatory Institutions said that he has also procured 30 bags of fertilizers to be distributed to the rural farmers in the constituency to ensure a bumper harvest.
The lawmaker who made the distribution at the Edukwu-Edu playground in Item Amagu Community in Ikwo local government area of the state said that the rice seeds will be distributed to the 31 wards in the constituency.
Hon Ogah said that the rice seeds are not for consumption but for planting and warned the farmers against consuming the rice seeds.
“Let me sound a note of warning that the seeds are only for planting; it is not for consumption. Please no matter the level of hunger, don’t cook it to eat,” he said.
He maintained that to end the high cost of food items and commodities in the country, there is the need for all to go into farming.
“The small farm or garden in our backward and compound can provide some of the food items we purchase from the market. There is the need for us to go into farming,” he stated.
Business
NEMA Distributes Grains To Vulnerable In Kebbi
Director-general of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Zubaida Umar has distributed assorted grains from the federal government to the people of Kebbi State.
Read Also: Katsina State Government Approves 200 Million To Tackles Malnutrition
While distributing the grains yesterday at Bulasa government grains stores in Birnin Kebbi alongside with Governor Idris the DG NEMA, Zubaida Umar said the gesture from the federal government was aimed at reducing poverty amongst the less privileged in Kebbi State.
Umar added that the grains would be distributed across the 21 local government areas of the state to the vulnerable persons in the grassroots.
Governor Nasir Idris while commending the federal government for the gesture said, the initiative underscored the government’s commitment in supporting those in need especially in this challenging time.
He said the gesture is an act of kindness and generosity of APC led-administration towards making a real difference by impacting the lives of those facing hardship and uncertainty in the state.
“I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the federal government under the able leadership of our dear President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his swift response and unwavering commitment in providing relief to the most vulnerable members of our society,” he added.
Business
NNPCL Committed To Nasarawa Oil, Gas Initiative – Kyari
Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has said it is committed to partnering with the Nasarawa State government in the area of oil and gas development.
Read Also: Federal Government Vows To Expose Fake Certificate Holders
The group managing director of NNPCL, Engr. Mele Kyari, who disclosed this during the second day of the Nasarawa Investment Summit yesterday in Lafia, said Nasarawa is blessed with substantial natural gas reserves.
Represented by the executive vice president (Gas and Power), Olalekan Oguleye, the NNPC boss said the state has the potential to power industrialization that would drive economic growth to improve the lives of its citizens.
He noted that the company is more than willing for further collaboration that will unlock the full potential of the state’s natural resources for the benefit of the state and the country at large.
Kyari appreciated the bold steps the state government has taken towards building its economy in the area of solid mineral and energy.
He said the state has become a home not just for mineral resources but also for agriculture and energy.
-
Entertainment1 year ago
The Story Of A Woman With Unusual Long Backside, Sarah Baartman
-
Entertainment1 year ago
Tallest Man In Nigeria Afeez Agoro Cries Out To Nigerians For Financial Support After Chronic Arthritis Diagnosis As SFCOBA 94Set Pays Him Visit
-
Business2 years ago
Nigeria Vs Ghana: Authentic Nigeria Football and Allied Sports Supporters Club Seals Sponsorship Deal with 86Z Football Technology Limited Foots
-
Education2 years ago
Tokunbo Wahab: An uncommon legal eagle soaring daily to a greater place in history
-
News8 months ago
Physical Planning Commissioner, Oluyinka Olumide Assumes Office …Harps On Transparency, Zero Tolerance To Building Collapse
-
Featured1 year ago
Buruj Football Club’s Players Moving To Europe Delights Obesere
-
Sports11 months ago
Victor Osimhen Returns To Roots As Football Superstar Visits Primary School And Inspires Young Talent
-
Featured2 years ago
Qatar 2022 World Cup Playoff: Black Stars Hold Eagles To Scoreless Draw In Kumasi