Federal Government collaborates with Cross River to regulate mining operations

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The Federal Government, through the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority, has announced its readiness to collaborate with the Cross River State Government to standardise and sanitise mining activities across communities in the state.

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The Operational Head of the NNRA, Ememobong Essien, disclosed the agency’s position during a courtesy visit to the Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Ntufam Effiom-Ekaha Otu, on Monday at his office in Calabar, noting that the move is aimed at enhancing safety and oversight in the extractive industry.

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Essien emphasised that the visit was primarily centred on the need for synergy in monitoring mining operations, particularly regarding Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials, adding that these materials are often unearthed during mineral exploration and require specialised handling to prevent health risks.

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She said, “The partnership aims to ensure that mining operations in Cross River adhere to international safety standards, protecting both the environment and the health of host communities.

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“Our mandate is to regulate all activities involving ionising radiation. The agency will deploy all available resources to ensure that safe and standard practices are strictly enforced. We call for the Commissioner’s full cooperation to ensure the industry meets global benchmarks,” she stated.

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She further highlighted that working closely with the State Ministry of Mineral Resources is essential for identifying and managing radiological risks within the state’s solid minerals sector.

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In his response, the Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Effiom-Ekaha Otu, said the state government, under the leadership of Governor Bassey Otu, is firmly committed to sanitising the mining sector and its operations.

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Otu assured the federal delegation of his full cooperation, emphasising that the state’s priority is to protect its ecosystem and populace from hazardous substances and unregulated mining practices.

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“I want to assure the federal delegation of our full cooperation because the state government, under the leadership of Governor Bassey Otu and his People’s First agenda, is firmly committed to sanitising the mining sector and its operations,” he added.

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He assured the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority of the state’s commitment to the mandatory profiling of all mining entities, maintaining that the initiative is for documentation and identification of their operational status for peace and security within the sector.

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According to him, only authorised operators are permitted to function in accordance with Federal Government regulations and Cross River State Executive Order No. 1 of 2024.

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