Community-Based Mining Control in Cross River State

By Okoi Obono-Obla

Community-Based Mining Control in Cross River State-

Illegal mining is rampant in Cross River State, especially in Yakurr, Obubra, Akamkpa, Biase, and Obanliku Local Government Areas. Recently, the Government of Cross River State commendably placed a ban on illegal mining, but this has not stopped the exploitation of rare minerals found in the State. This persistence is largely because traditional rulers and individuals from these communities are deeply involved, acting as conduits for foreign interests driving the illicit business.

One of the most effective ways to stem this menace—which is fuelling inter‑communal land disputes and violence, remotely sponsored by ruthless foreign business interests in collaboration with unscrupulous actors from within these communities and the Sahelian region of West Africa—is for the Government of Cross River State to establish companies in which indigenes of the affected communities are shareholders. These companies can then obtain mining licences from the Federal Government under the provisions of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2007, thereby granting them the legal authority to explore and manage these mineral resources.

Such an approach would foster community buy‑in, enhance resource control, and reduce the incentive for illegal mining. It would also align with the Land Use Act, 1978, which vests all land in the State in the Governor as trustee for the people, ensuring that mineral exploitation is conducted in a manner that benefits host communities while maintaining peace and stability.

In conclusion, empowering communities through legal mining structures not only curtails illegal operations but also promotes sustainable development, strengthens local ownership, and ensures compliance with Nigeria’s statutory framework for land and mineral resource management. By combining the authority of the Land Use Act with the regulatory framework of the Minerals and Mining Act, Cross River State can transform its mineral wealth into a source of prosperity rather than conflict.