By Abimbola Ogunnaike
The Minister of Mines and Steel, Olamilekan Adegbite, has inaugurated the first gemstone market in Nigeria, just as he disclosed that 2007 Mining Act only recognises families and individuals as rightful owners of acquired mining sites, not traditional rulers.
Adegbite who said this during the inauguration of the International Gemstone Market under the Economic Sustainability Plan of the Federal Government on Thursday, 4 May 2023, in Ibadan, Oyo State, also explained that the Mineral and Mining Act 2007 favours individuals and families as rightful owners of mining sites, not traditional rulers.
Adegbite was reacting to a question from the Okere of Saki, Oba Khalid Olabisi, on the activities of miners in his domain and the need to encourage local miners.
“Rules and laws govern mining. What is happening at Okeho, Oyo State, as referred to by the traditional ruler, is nothing but an act of illegality.
“The 2007 Mining Act only recognises families and individuals as rightful owners of acquired mining sites, not traditional rulers.
“Based on this, exploration, not mining licences, are issued to the groups mentioned above. Traditional rulers can only advise, not play a principal role,” the minister said.
Adegbite added that the Gemstone market would avail Nigeria an industry-based competitive advantage.
