Activists are expressing concern about mining companies encroaching on a National Park in Cross River State.
In a joint statement by Ken Henshaw of ‘We the People’ and Martin Egot of ‘Devcon’, they highlighted that two mining firms are operating within the park, which goes against the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act of 2007 that prohibits mining in such areas.
The activists faulted the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development for granting mining rights to these companies and are demanding the immediate revocation of their leases.
They argued that allowing mining activities in the National Park will harm the ecosystem, lead to wildlife hunting and logging, and undermine conservation efforts. They also called for stronger regulations to prevent confusion in granting licenses in protected areas and urged the involvement of local communities in conservation efforts.
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