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Senate vows to end illegal mining in Nigeria
By Francesca Hangeior
As part of its commitment to establish a safer and more profitable mining sector, the Nigerian Senate has vowed to eliminate illegal mining activities that have been depriving the federal government of significant revenue and contributing to food and physical insecurity across the country.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals, Senator Ekong led a delegation to Niger State to investigate the recent collapse of a mining pit that claimed around 30 lives over the weekend.
During the visit, Ekong emphasized that illegal and unregulated mining operations are major obstacles to realizing the multi-billion-dollar potential of Nigeria’s minerals sector, with unauthorized miners using unsafe and environmentally harmful practices.
“The illegal mining practices, using crude methods and little regard for safety, continue to undermine our mining sector’s potential and threaten environmental and public health,” Ekong stated. “The Senate remains committed to creating legislative solutions to support the growth and safety of Nigeria’s mining industry.”
In response to the committee’s visit, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State expressed the state’s readiness to work with the National Assembly to enact laws that would reform the mining sector, benefiting all stakeholders—including the federal and state governments, local communities, and miners.
Bago described “Responsible Mining” as a new initiative, inspired by models seen in Brazil, that would require companies to provide community support, such as potable water, healthcare, and education, to offset the impacts of mining.
Ekong used the occasion to convey condolences to the people of Niger State for the tragic June 3, 2024, mining site collapse in Shiroro, which caused significant fatalities and displaced many families. Ekong praised the Niger State Government and the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals for their swift response to the disaster and urged for further assistance to the affected families.
“Mining incidents like the one in Shiroro are far too common, and the sector loses substantial revenue daily due to unauthorized, black-market-style mining that has also fueled insecurity,” Ekong said. “We must collaborate to address these challenges and protect our national resources.”
He highlighted the economic potential of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, noting that curbing illegal mining could generate substantial revenue, diversify the economy, and boost Nigeria’s GDP.
Governor Bago assured the Senate of Niger State’s commitment to advancing responsible mining practices. “Artisanal mining has led to loss of lives and property and has fueled insecurity. With a responsible mining bill, we can ensure mining activities are sustainable and beneficial for communities,” he said.
The Senate delegation included Senators Diket Plang, Amos Yohanna, Professor Anthony Ani, Okechukwu Ezea, and Sani Musa, who initially brought the Shiroro tragedy to the Senate’s attention. The committee intends to continue working closely with local and federal stakeholders to create a safe, sustainable mining industry that benefits the Nigerian economy and protects the lives of all involved.
Enugu State Government has hailed the Government of the Republic of Finland for the arrest of the Finland-based leader of the criminal gang, Autopilots, Simon Ekpa, describing him as a common criminal, con man, and terrorist, who has no interest of Igbo people at heart.
The government also described Ekpa as a murderer and fraudster, who delights in killing his people and living large off their misery, saying that Enugu State was ready and willing to provide evidence of Ekpa-sponsored atrocities against Ndigbo to aid his trial and conviction, whether in Finland or Nigeria.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, on Friday.
“The Enugu State Government welcomes the arrest of the Finland-based terrorist, Simon Ekpa.
“His arrest and trial will no doubt go a long way in strengthening peace, security, and stability in all parts of the South East.
“This arrest is in line with the demand of Governor Peter Mbah Administration, which has repeatedly made it known that Ekpa is a megalomaniac, common criminal, murderer, and fraudster, who takes joy in feeding fat on the manipulated emotions of Ndigbo and inflicting misery on the South East region.
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“Ekpa has for long, and unfortunately from Finland, made a living by creating a siege climate and mentality in the South East, destroying lives, property, and the Igbo trademark of entrepreneurship and hard work. He thrives on manipulating, exploiting, and extorting the people on the pretext of fighting for their interest and for the restoration of Biafra,” the government said.
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“Men Need To Submit Too”, says Pastor Olumide, Quotes Bible Passage To Back His Statement (Video)
A pastor has stated that submission in a marriage is not a requirement for women alone.
Pastor Olumide Emmanuel explained that a Christian marriage is not based on “culture” but on the teachings of the kingdom and as a result, men should respect their wives’ opinions and superior judgment and submit when appropriate.
He said: “Men, I will tell you for free, respect a woman’s sensitivity if you want to do well in life.
“Ask any married man that will be honest with you, there are things that if we did not listen to our wife we’d be in trouble by now. And there are times that we didn’t listen, we enter trouble.
“So if you’re a young person now, don’t let Africa kill you. ‘I’m a man of this house, I’m a man of this house, you can’t tell me what to do’. Forget that nonsense.
“Marriage is not an African culture, it’s a kingdom culture and in the kingdom the bible says, submitting yourself one to another. Mutual submission is a kingdom agenda for the marriage.
“So there are times you need to submit to your wife. Submit to your woman.”
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The black market dollar to Naira exchange rate on Friday 22 November 2024 can be accessed below.
NewsOnline Nigeria has obtained the official naira black market exchange rate in Nigeria today including the Black Market rates, Bureau De Change (BDC), and CBN rates. Please note that the exchange rate is subject to hourly fluctuations influenced by the supply and demand of dollars in the market. As of now, you can purchase 1 dollar at a certain rate now, however, it’s important to remember that the rate can shift (either upwards or downwards) within hours.
How much is a dollar to naira today in the black market?
Dollar to naira exchange rate today black market (Aboki dollar rate):
According to Bureau De Change (BDC) sources, the exchange rate for a dollar to naira at Lagos Parallel Market (Black Market) players bought a dollar for N1710 and sold it for N1750 on Friday, November 22, 2024.
Please note that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not recognize the parallel market (black market), as it has directed individuals who want to engage in Forex to approach their respective banks.
Dollar to Naira Black Market Rate Today
Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN) Black Market Exchange Rate Today
Buying Rate N1730
Selling Rate N1740
Dollar to Naira CBN Rate Today
Dollar to Naira (USD to NGN) CBN Rate Today
Buying Rate N1745
Selling Rate N1750
Please note that the rates you buy or sell forex may be different from what is captured in this article because prices vary.
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