The Cross River State House of Assembly has called on the National Assembly to urgently amend Nigeria’s mining laws to better protect host communities and resource-rich states, following severe environmental degradation caused by illegal mining activities in Obubra Local Government Area.
The resolution was reached during Wednesday’s plenary under a matter of urgent public importance, moved by Hon. Egbe Abeng, who represents Obubra I constituency. The motion was unanimously supported by members of the 10th Assembly.
Lawmakers expressed alarm over the humanitarian crisis in five Obubra communities including Ababene, Ovokwa, Onyadema, Ofat, and Ofodua where illegal gold mining has contaminated the only major water source. Residents now rely solely on sachet water for cooking, bathing, and other basic needs.
Describing the situation as a “public health emergency,” Hon. Abeng said the destruction of local water sources threatens the wellbeing of thousands and increases the risk of disease outbreaks. He noted that the Water Board station in Ofodua, which once supplied potable water to the area, is currently non-functional and urgently needs rehabilitation.
“Our people are suffering. Illegal mining has not only stolen their resources but destroyed their right to clean water,” Abeng said. “The federal mining law must be reviewed to reflect the needs of those living in affected communities.”
The Assembly resolved to send a delegation, led by Speaker Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, to the National Assembly to present the resolution to the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas.
Speaker Elverts Ayambem criticised existing mining laws for concentrating revenue and control at the federal level while neglecting the environmental and developmental needs of host communities.
“We are calling on the National Assembly to amend or repeal these unjust mining laws,” he said. “Host communities and states like Cross River, which have contributed immensely to national development, must not be left behind. Mining should be a driver of development, not devastation.”
The House also urged the Cross River State Government, through the Ministry of Water Resources and the State Water Board, to urgently restore potable water to the affected communities and rehabilitate the damaged infrastructure. Additionally, it called for a thorough investigation into the environmental damage caused by illegal mining in the region.
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