The Federal Government, through the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA), has expressed its readiness to collaborate with the Cross River State Government to standardise and sanitise mining activities across communities in the state.
The commitment was made by the Operational Head of the NNRA, Ememobong Essien, during a courtesy visit to the state’s Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Ntufam Effiom-Ekaha Otu, on Monday at his office in Calabar. Essien highlighted that the partnership seeks to enhance oversight, safety, and regulatory compliance in the extractive industry, particularly in areas where Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORMs) are encountered.
“Mining operations often uncover naturally occurring radioactive materials, which, if not handled properly, can pose significant health and environmental risks,” Essien noted. “This visit is a step towards fostering synergy between the Federal and State governments in monitoring these operations, ensuring that mining practices in Cross River are safe, regulated, and in line with international standards.”
She added that the collaboration would involve the deployment of specialised expertise and frameworks to monitor mining activities effectively. The NNRA intends to work closely with local authorities and stakeholders to guarantee that miners, communities, and the environment are adequately protected from potential hazards associated with NORMs.
Commissioner Otu welcomed the NNRA’s intervention, describing it as a timely initiative to strengthen the state’s regulatory framework for mineral exploration. “Cross River State is committed to promoting responsible mining practices that protect our communities and environment,” he said. “Partnering with the NNRA will help ensure that our mining sector grows sustainably while adhering to safety standards.”
Experts in the mining and environmental sectors have lauded the collaboration, highlighting that Nigeria’s mining industry faces challenges due to inconsistent regulations, unsafe practices, and environmental degradation. They note that integrating federal oversight with state-level management could serve as a model for safer and more sustainable mining operations across the country.
The partnership is also expected to include capacity-building programs for miners and regulatory officers, ensuring that those involved in mineral extraction are equipped with the knowledge and tools to manage radioactive materials safely.
This initiative comes at a critical time as Cross River continues to harness its mineral resources to drive economic growth, while maintaining a focus on environmental protection and public health. With the NNRA’s involvement, the state aims to set a benchmark for safe and responsible mining practices nationwide.
