By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
The House of Representatives Committee on Solid Minerals has issued a strong warning to quarry operators across the country, threatening to recommend the suspension or outright revocation of licenses belonging to firms operating illegally or ignoring summons from the National Assembly.
At an investigative hearing on Thursday, Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Jonathan Gaza Gbefwi, expressed frustration over the conduct of some companies, particularly Arab Contractors and Omatek, which he said have failed to provide documentation justifying their operations.
“These companies must either submit all relevant approvals authorizing their quarry activities or shut down immediately,” Gbefwi declared.
He lamented the consistent refusal by several quarry firms to honour the Committee’s invitations, describing it as a direct affront to Nigeria’s laws and an insult to parliamentary authority.
“It is unacceptable for companies to operate within Nigeria while disobeying extant laws and ignoring legislative oversight,” he said.
Rep. Gbefwi revealed that during oversight visits to quarry sites in the Federal Capital Territory, the Committee uncovered serious irregularities, including violations of community development agreements and disregard for environmental safety.
According to him, many of the companies visited were managed by foreign nationals who reside outside Nigeria, leaving only technical staff on the ground with little regard for host community welfare.
“We welcome foreign investment in Nigeria, but we will not tolerate a situation where host communities are subjected to inhumane conditions and denied the benefits promised under signed agreements,” he stated.
The lawmaker also disclosed that Arab Contractors were found to be allegedly operating an unapproved quarry, in violation of federal regulations.
He warned that the Committee would not hesitate to escalate its recommendations, including pushing for license revocations where necessary, to restore sanity to the mining sector.
Rep. Gbefwi reaffirmed the Committee’s commitment to enforcing compliance, noting that exploitation and regulatory evasion will no longer be tolerated in the solid minerals industry.
As the House continues its probe, stakeholders and host communities are watching closely, hopeful that the clampdown on illegal operators will lead to improved accountability and social responsibility from mining companies.