By Samuel Luka,
Bauchi
In an effort to ensure safety of mining communities and the environment, Bauchi state government has inaugurated the newly appointed executive members of the mineral resources and environmental management committee (MIREMCO).
Inaugurating the committee members on Thursday, state Commissioner of Natural Resources Development, Hon. Muhammad Maiwada Bello charged the committee to liaise with mining communities & operators to ensure safety and security of the state’s environment.
According to him, the setting up of the Committee was aimed at unlocking the state’s mineral resources’ potential.
As contained in a press release signed by the information officer, Bauchi state Ministry of Natural Resources Development, Saleh Umar, the state government pledged harmonious working relationship with the Federal Agencies.
According to Hon. Bello, the Bauchi State Government under the leadership of Governor Bala Mohammed is committed to strengthening the ministry’s responsibilities in managing natural resources through collaboration with relevant Federal Govt Agencies,
“We are determined to harness the mineral resources potentials of Bauchi State and promote economic growth,” Hon. Bello said.
The release added that the inauguration of the MIREMCO executive members is a significant step towards protecting Bauchi’s environment, communities and its investors.
Hon. Bello urged the members of the committee to work in line with the ethics governing MIREMCO and to protect the interests of the State.
“I charge you to carefully work in line with the ethics governing the establishment of MIREMCO,” he said.
The Commissioner informed the committee members that their primary function is to protect the interest of communities in Bauchi by making sure that, mining is operated within the legal frame work.
“I urge you to ensure transparency and accountability in performing your duties. The nomination of MIREMCO executive members was approved by His Excellency the Executive Governor of Bauchi State, Sen. Bala A. Mohammed CON (Kauran Bauchi) as established in section 19 subsection 2-7 of the Nigerian Mineral & Mining Act 2007”, he said.
In his acceptance speech, the newly appointed Chairman of MIREMCO, Alh Inuwa Bello Galoji, expressed gratitude to Governor Bala Mohammed and the Commissioner, Muhammad Maiwada Bello for the opportunity to serve.
He promised that his committee will work tirelessly to promote the development of mineral resources in Bauchi State.
“We will ensure transparency and accountability in our activities and work closely with the Ministry of Natural Resources Development to achieve the target goals”, Galoji further assured.
The inauguration ceremony, which took place at the conference Hall of Ministry of Natural Resources Development on Thursday, had Alh. Inuwa Bello Galoji from Miners Association of Nigeria sworn-in as Chairman while Sanusi Garba Imam from the ministry of Natural Resources Development and member federal Mine Officer, Bauchi Office as Secretary.
Others Include Shehu Umar from State Ministry of Environment, Surv. Ahmed Mai Walle, State Surveyor General, Comrade Sale Umar Misau, Ministry of Land and Survey, Daniel Kyau, Federal Ministry of Environment, Isiyaku Tijjani Bello, Ministry for Local Government, Babaji Maijama’a, Ministry of Agriculture and Chieftaincy Affairs as members of the Committee.
