Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has received commendation for the Civil society groups in the Niger Delta region. They are happy about the decision of his government to
halt mining activities in the state, with a purpose to stopping ecological harm and unwholesome practices by artisanal and industrial miners.
Executive Director Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), Dr. Nnimmo Bassey, commended the government’s decision, warning that unregulated mining poses significant threats to the environment and human health, not only in Cross River State but also beyond its borders.
Bassey, in a statement by HOMEF Media/Communication Lead Oilwatch Africa Communications Officer, Kome Odhomor, further urged the state governor, Bassey Otu, to prioritise and sustain the policy, bearing in mind that mining in community forests and other biodiversity hotspots is highly harmful. He said the only beneficiaries are the individuals and corporations involved in the nefarious activities.
The statement said, “The rate of unregulated mining in protected forests is alarming and has severe repercussions,” Dr. Bassey emphasised. “We urge the governor to prioritise and sustain this policy, recognizing the harm caused by mining in community forests and biodiversity hotspots.”
Shehu Akowe, HOMEF’s project lead on mining, echoed the call for comprehensive reform in the mining sector, stressing the need for environmental and socioeconomic impact assessments to ensure sustainability.
This bold move by Cross River State sets a precedent for other states to follow, as the nation grapples with the devastating consequences of uncontrolled mining.