By Sylvia Akpan, Government House Correspondent
The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu, has sued for a comprehensive legislative reform aimed at empowering states in the management of mineral resources.
He made the call when members of the House of Representatives Committee on Solid Minerals paid him a courtesy visit in Government House, Calabar.
Analysts say the call is coming at the time controversies are trailing the state mining and minerals sector, in which the governor and others have faced backlashes including legal suit.
A few days ago, former Member who represented Akamkpa/Biase Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Honorable Danie Asuquo, sued the Cross River State Government, Governor Bassey Otu, Attorney General and Commission for justice; the State Chairman Anti-illegal Mining Taskforce, Prince Paul Effiong and nine others over his mining sites in the state.
The suit filed before the Federal High Court of Nigeria Port Harcourt Judicial Division with suit number FHC/PHC/CS/ 147/2025 and signed by D. T Tarhemba, Esq. and David Iornum Saando, Esq. dated 12 August 2025 also mentioned the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps and the Nigeria Army as respondents to the case.
READ: Former House Of Reps Member, Daniel Asuquo Drags Governor Otu, Others To Court
Governor Otu speaking during the courtesy visit re-emphasized that Cross River State is one of the solid mineral hubs in Nigeria. He highlighted the commercial quantities of limestone, granite, gold, uranium, barite, iron ore, kaolins, manganese and other minerals available within the state, expressing hope that their exploration could bolster the state’s revenue. He said though, “For now, this is a dream that is yet to come true.”
Otu noted the legal challenges posed by existing federal laws, specifically the 1999 Constitution, which grants the federal government exclusive control over mineral resources. He referenced the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act 2007 and the Land Use Act of 1978, which complicate the state’s ability to manage its resources effectively.
The Governor who set up the Anti-illegal Mining Taskforce to tackle illegal mining in the state, raised concerns about the environmental impact of mining operations, noting, “while the Federal Government is drawing huge revenue from these minerals, the locals are constantly blighted by air and water pollution.” He urged for a fair and honest discussion on how to equitably manage these resources to benefit local communities.
He proposed several amendments to the relevant laws, suggesting that the House of Representatives should include the amendment of the relevant Acts in regard to Land Administration in the ongoing Constitutional Amendments; ownership of solid minerals to be included in the Residual list; allowing states more control over their natural resources and among others.
Also speaking, the House Committee Chairman on Solid Minerals, Hon. Gaza Jonathan said their visit to the Cross River State is to investigate the compliance of mining companies with the Minerals and Mines Act 2007 and the Explosive Act and to participate in an Expo on Solid Minerals.
Hon. Gaza, expressed concerns over illegal mining and its detrimental effects on communities. “We must take a critical look at how our people are actually getting their share of the minerals being exploited,” he said, underscoring the need for improved governance and adherence to laws designed to benefit local populations.
He stressed on the importance of remediation and reclamation following mining activities, citing successful examples from abroad where such efforts have transformed former mining sites into tourist attractions.
He urged the governor to formalize the consent process for mining activities to ensure that communities benefit from their resources. He advocated for agreements that would clarify the relationship between mining companies and local communities and promote sustainable development in the State.