'‘Gold Reform Bill’, sponsored by Senator Natasha

The bill, titled ‘Gold Reform Bill’, sponsored by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has since passed a Second Reading although its public hearing has been suspended indefinitely.

The Federal Government has sought to acquire all lands with deposits of gold from State governments and private individuals.

The bill stated that the entire property in and control of gold, under or upon any land in Nigeria, shall be vested in the government of the federation for and on behalf of the people of Nigeria.

The bill states, “The entire property in and control of gold, under or upon any land in Nigeria,  shall be vested in the Government of the Federation for and on behalf of the people of Nigeria.

One of the clauses of the bill seeks to grant the government exclusive rights over all gold resources in the country, enhancing regulatory oversight and promoting responsible exploitation of Nigeria’s gold reserves.

“All lands in which gold has been found in commercial quantities shall, from the commencement of this bill be acquired by the government of the federation in accordance with the provisions of the Land Use Act.

“The authority shall administer and enforce the provisions of the Mining Act for the purposes of this bill to the exclusion of any other authority.”

It further added that the “prohibition of exploration or exploitation of gold without authority:

“No person shall search for or exploit gold resources in Nigeria or divert or impound water for the purpose of gold mining except as provided in the Mining Act.

“Lands excluded from gold exploration and exploitation. No gold mining title granted under this bill shall authorize, exploration or exploitation of gold resources on, or in, or the erection of beacons on or the occupation of any land set apart for, or used for, appropriated, or dedicated to any military.”

Section 10(2) stipulates, “All lands in which gold has been found in commercial quantities shall, from the commencement of this bill, be acquired by the government of the federation.”

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s bill also introduces stringent prohibitions on unauthorized mining. Section 11(1) warns, “No person shall search for or exploit gold resources in Nigeria or divert or impound water for the purpose of gold mining except as provided in the Mining Act.

A primary goal of the Gold Reform Bill is to ensure that all lands identified with commercially viable gold deposits are acquired by the Federal Government in line with the Land Use Act.