The Federal Government has issued a 90-day ultimatum to the Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO) to improve its performance or face sanctions.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, made the announcement during the 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of MIREMCO Chairmen, citing dissatisfaction with the committee’s execution of its mandate.
Dr. Alake criticized MIREMCO for failing to fulfil its statutory responsibilities, which include acting as a mediator between subnational authorities, local communities, operators, and the federal government.
“The federal government is supposed to rely on your reports on the activities or inactivity of operators and whether they comply with environmental regulations and all other sundry regulations governing the sector. We are not impressed by the execution of that mandate, and we will not hesitate to wield the big stick if, after 90 days, the committee fails to turn a new leaf,” he said.