Reps Threatens Licence Revocation for Defaulting Quarry.

Abuja, Nigeria — The House of Representatives Committee on Solid Minerals has issued a stern warning to quarry operators across Nigeria, threatening to recommend the revocation of licenses for companies flouting legal and regulatory obligations.

At a Thursday investigative hearing into the operations of mining firms, Committee Chairman Hon. Jonathan Gaza Gbefwi, who represents Keffi/Karu/Kokona Federal Constituency in Nasarawa State, decried the rampant disregard for legislative summons and regulatory frameworks by several quarry companies.

Among those singled out were Arab Contractors and Omatek, whom the Committee directed to either produce valid operational documents or cease operations immediately.

Expressing deep concern, Gbefwi criticized the persistent refusal of companies to respond to oversight invitations, describing it as a clear violation of Nigeria’s laws and a threat to public accountability.

“It’s unacceptable that these companies continue to operate in Nigeria while ignoring legislative oversight and breaching legal requirements,” he remarked.

The Committee’s recent oversight visit to quarry sites in the Federal Capital Territory exposed widespread regulatory neglect, particularly the failure of operators to honor community development agreements.

Gbefwi also noted a troubling trend in which only junior technical personnel are stationed in Nigeria, while managing directors and senior executives — many of them foreign nationals, especially from China — reside abroad, thereby evading direct accountability.

“We appreciate the presence of foreign investors,” he said, “but we will not condone exploitative practices that leave host communities impoverished and abandoned.”

He further revealed that Arab Contractors were operating an unauthorized quarry site without the necessary approvals from government bodies.

The Committee concluded that it may not stop at recommending the suspension of licenses, but could go as far as urging the outright cancellation of operating permits for defaulting companies if urgent corrective steps are not taken.

By Enoch  Odesola | May 25, 2025