FCT, MCO partner to resolve mining conflicts
By Martha Agas
The Nigerian Mining Cadastre Office (MCO) says it is working with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to resolve conflicts between mining and land title claims.
The Director-General of MCO, Mr Obadiah Nkom, disclosed this when an FCT delegation visited the organisation on Wednesday in Abuja.
The delegation was led by Mrs Chinyelu Obrike, Overseeing Director of the FCT Department of Solid Minerals and Allied Matters.
Nkom said the visit had created the synergy needed to ensure better management and administration of mineral resources within the Federal Capital Territory.
He stated that the collaboration aims to eliminate conflicts between mineral titles and land titles, making such disputes a thing of the past.
According to him, the FCT will be able to streamline its operations and maintain clarity on land use and mineral exploration boundaries.
He added that the partnership would address complaints of mining operators encroaching on legally held land titles within the FCT.
The MCO Director-General also noted that although clearance is currently obtained from the FCT Department, this partnership would centralise approvals and enhance compliance.
He said the collaboration would tackle the problem of illegal scavenging on plots of land, which had become an increasing concern.
“It will help a lot. Scavengers are defacing the FCT, and that is unacceptable to us,” he said.
He described a situation where someone returns to their land only to find it excavated and cleared without authorisation.
Nkom expressed confidence that the FCT Department, under professional leadership, would work closely with the MCO and relevant bodies to ensure accountability.
Earlier, Mrs Chinyelu Obrike said the visit aimed to seek the MCO’s support in executing her department’s responsibilities effectively.
She said the department, created in 2022, is tasked with organising mining in the FCT, raising internal revenue, and resolving related conflicts.
Obrike revealed that shortly after assuming office, she began receiving letters and complaints about illegal mining and land encroachments.
She noted that the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, recently approved a new operational guideline for mining and quarrying in the territory.
According to her, the visit was necessary to enable a smooth rollout of these mining-related activities across the FCT.
She requested relevant data from the MCO to ensure operators comply with the Community Development Agreement and other legal obligations. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo
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