A Cry For Help: Miners says too many taxes could hurt mining development in Nigeria

Miners take grievances to Buhari

Miners in Nigeria under the umbrella of Miners Association of Nigeria on Friday, took their grievances over multiple taxes and disruption of mining activities by state government agencies to President Muhammadu Buhari, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

This is even as they have described multiple taxation as an impediment for successful mining operation in the country.

National President of the Association, Sani Shehu, who led the delegation to the President, while speaking with State House Correspondents, commended Buhari for giving matching orders to the concerned authorities in government to articulate the miners concerns and present as memo in order for him to action.

He mentioned the challenges the miners were facing in the sector to include interference, poor funding, lack of proper mechanization for operations and multiple taxation.

Shehu said the association has proposed fiscal regime for the mining sector so that all payment will be synchronized into one.

He said following the favourable response they got at the audience with President, the association has decided to be the eyes and ears of the government, to bring to its attention anything in the sector that is contrary to the law as regards mining operations to ensure things are done right.

The Minister of State for Mines and Steel, Bawa Bwari, on his part said the government is committed to encouraging mining activities in the country, said President Buhari has assured the miners that the administration will look into their plights.