Governors from the Northeast have condemned the operations of illegal miners while urging the Federal Government to intervene immediately in the region.
They also expressed concern about floods in the region, noting that it had caused property damage and loss of livelihood.
These were stated in a statement issued at the conclusion of the 8th regular meeting of the North-East Governors Forum, NEGF, held in Maiduguri, Borno State, over the weekend.
Kashim Shettima, the Vice President, attended the meeting.
The governors of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, and Yobe were also present, according to the DAILY POST. Deputies were used to represent the governors of Gombe and Taraba.
The governors stated that the spread of illegal mining in the region is becoming an issue, and that there is a link between mining and instability.
Climate change and environmental degradation are important challenges affecting the region, according to the communique, which was signed and delivered by the Forum’s Chairman and Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum.
As a result, the Forum urged the respective governments to strictly implement the terms of Nigeria’s Mining Policy on local consent, as well as the provisions of the Land Use Act.
Flooding, according to the governors, has been exacerbated by river silting and deforestation caused by the enormous charcoal industry.
“Furthermore, there is a need for effective control on deforestation with stern regulation to local authorities against granting approvals for such business,” the statement stated.
“The Forum has resolved to participate in the Global Initiative of Carbon Credi, the Great Green Wall, and other initiatives that will mitigate the subregion’s devastating impact of climate change.”
Other resolutions passed during the meeting include: “The Forum charges the Northeast Development Commission with being more proactive with development issues in the subregion.” Its intervention should be adequately prioritized in the short, medium, and long term to ensure the subregion’s sustainable development and demands.”
“The forum agreed to promote subregional trade among member countries.” It also agreed to revive the northeast trade exhibition, which would be hosted in Bauchi in January 2024.
“The Forum thanked Senator Kashim Shettima, Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for attending the opening ceremony of the 8th meeting of the NEGF, and the Government and People of Borno State for hosting the event.”
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