April 11, (THEWILL) — A bill seeking the provision of a structured framework for the exploration, regulation and preservation of forest and mineral resources through the establishment of a commission in the state was passed into law by the Benue State House of Assembly.
The bill was passed after scaling through the third reading, during a plenary presided over by the speaker, Rt. Hon. Alfred Emberga, following a report of the House Standing Committee on Lands, Survey and Solid Minerals and Water Resources, Environment and Climate Change, chaired by Hon. Peter Uche, representing Guma1 State Constituency.
The bill is aimed at strengthening economic diversification, infrastructure maintenance and environmental Sustainability.
“The proposed Commission will not compete with federal agencies that regulate mining activities but will complement their work by ensuring coordinated and orderly management of forest and mineral resources within the State”, it stated.
The bill will promote economic diversification through partnerships with investors using Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs), while also enabling the state to collect legitimate land use fees and surface rents.
The Commission would enforce environmental protection measures, including reforestation programmes, regulate mining and logging activities to improve security, and ensure that host communities benefit through Community Development Agreements that will provide social amenities such as schools, clinics and clean water.
The bill was passed into law after a unanimous recommendation by members of the House after a thorough debate, clause by clause, and the Speaker directed the clerk, Dr Bem Mela, to read the bill for the third time, after which it was successfully passed into law.
Also, during plenary, the Benue State Road Maintenance Agency bill was passed into law, following the report of the House Standing Committees on Works, Housing and Special Projects, chaired by Rt. Hon. Tavershima Dyako, of Konshisha State Constituency.
The bill, when signed into law, will tackle the continuous decline of road infrastructure across the state by setting up a dedicated body for regular maintenance, and will close the gap between construction and deterioration by ensuring roads remain in good condition for both residents and businesses.
According to the chairman of the Committee, the Agency will protect public investments and improve safety, noting that damaged roads and potholes often cause accidents and can be exploited by criminals.
He further stated that better road maintenance would enhance food security by ensuring the smooth transportation of goods such as yams, citrus fruits, and grains, among others, to the city.
Relatedly, the Benue State Electricity and Power Management Agency and the Road Traffic Management bills also scaled through a third reading during plenary. The Energy bill, when signed, will regulate the energy sector in the state.
The law will address the energy needs of unserved and underserved communities in the state, and was also passed into law following a comprehensive report by the chairman of the committee, Hon. Moses Egbodo of Obi State constituency.
Similarly, the Traffic Management bill, which was passed into law, will ensure proper vehicle inspections in the State.
Also during plenary, a bill for a law to establish the Benue State Honours, Recognition and Awards to provide for the awards by a warrant issued by the executive Governor and for other related matters, enjoyed a second reading.
The bill is sponsored by Hon. Thomas Dugeri, Majority Leader of the House, representing Kwande West State Constituency.
