Gov't News Source|24 April 2020
The State House of Assembly has taken the second reading of the Mining, Milling and Quarrying Fees Bill 2020.
The Bill, according to the lead sponsor Rt Hon. Hilary Bisong, is to make provisions for the imposition of fees on, “any person having a Mining, Milling or Quarrying licence from the Federal Government to carry out such business in the State".
Leading the debate on the bill, Bisong reiterated that Cross River State is endowed with abundance of natural resources including different types of solid minerals which however are in the Exclusive List of the Federal Government adding that the State has not adequately harnessed the financial benefits of these minerals.
The Lawmakers further emphasised that, if passed into law, the bill will greatly improve the revenue base of the State through the fees that will be paid by all individuals and corporate bodies operating Mining, Milling and Quarrying businesses in the State.
Also speaking, co-sponsors of the bill including the Leader of the House, Rt Hon. Peter Odey, Deputy Leader, Rt Hon. Fred Osim and Deputy Whip, Rt. Hon. Regina Anyogo noted that the State may suffer post COVID-19 pandemic economic downturn hence the need to look inwards to ensure a better revenue base for the State while also controlling illegal mining with it's attendant environmental problems.
Ruling on the debate, Speaker, Rt Hon. Eteng Jonah Williams, directed the Clerk, Barr. Bassey Ekpenyong to read the bill a second time after which it was refered to the House Committees on Finance and Appropriation and Solid Minerals for further joint legislative action.
Author: Itam Offor
