Two Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Cross River State have sounded the alarm regarding the encroachment of mining activities into the Cross River National Park, News About Nigeria reports.
In a joint statement issued by Ken Henshaw of ‘We the People’ NGO and Martin Egot of ‘Devcon’, they expressed deep concern over the activities of two mining companies within the park, which they argue violate the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act of 2007, prohibiting mining in national parks.
The NGOs criticised the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development for granting mining rights to the companies and called for the immediate revocation of the mining leases.
They emphasised the potentially devastating impact of mining activities on the park’s ecosystem, including the destruction of conservation efforts and increased risks such as wildlife hunting and logging.
The statement read, “Accordingly, we demand the immediate revocation of the mining lease granted to the two companies. The step is essential to halt any ongoing mining activities and prevent further ecological degradation.
“We also want the immediate vacation of the sites, and security agencies should be mobilized to vacate the mining operatives from the mining sites.”
Additionally, the NGOs called for a review and strengthening of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Regulations to eliminate ambiguities in granting licenses within protected areas.
They stressed the importance of actively involving local communities surrounding Cross River National Park, including the Oban Forest, in conservation efforts, highlighting their essential role in protecting the park and ensuring its sustainable management.
Furthermore, the NGOs appealed to the government to consider granting the ministry enhanced legal oversight measures to prevent potential conflicts among ministries and safeguard the sanctity of protected areas.
