Stakeholders want data base for mineral titles established

Stakeholders have urged the Federal Government to create a data base for registration of mineral titles in state offices.

They also canvassed for adequate enlightenment and guidance for the title holders on pre-conditions for commencement of operation.

This is contained in the communiqué issued on Friday at the end of a one-day interactive stakeholders meeting organised by the Mining Cadastre Office (MCO) and Mines Inspectorate Department in Abuja.

The communiqué said that the development of appropriate templates and files was necessary to achieve the successful creation of such data base.

It also directed zonal and federal mines officers, and any other mining and geosciences officers of the ministry that were yet to register with the Council of Nigerian Mining Engineers and Geoscientists (COMEG) to do so immediately.

The communiqué enjoined mining officers to ensure prompt rendering of reports on mineral titles to enable the MCO process renewal of titles within the timeframe prescribed by law.

According to the communiqué, mining officers should inspect each mineral title in their respective states of jurisdiction at least every month and forward such information to their directors to confirm the status of operations.

It said that the Mines Inspectorate Department should forward report on mineral titles to MCO on regular basis to ensure adequate communication between agencies of the ministry.

The communiqué also urged mining officers to immediately compile list of all dormant mineral titles in their state and forward to the MCO through mines directorate department for necessary action.

It, however, urged the ministry to immediately provide laptop computers and Internet facilities for zonal and federal mines officers to enable them discharge their inspectorate duties effectively.

NAN