Evaluating the legal framework on sand mining in Nigeria: challenges and prospects

Akpoghome, Theresa Uzoamaka; Nwano, Theophilus Chinedu

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Periodical article

Title:	Evaluating the legal framework on sand mining in Nigeria: challenges and prospects
Authors:	Akpoghome, Theresa Uzoamaka Nwano, Theophilus Chinedu
Year:	2024
Periodical:	KAS African Law Study Library (ISSN 2363-6262)
Volume:	11
Issue:	4
Pages:	554-577
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Nigeria
Subjects:	law sand mining
External link:	https://www.nomos-elibrary.de/index.php?doi=10.5771/2363-6262-2024-4-554
Abstract:	The need for discussions around the sustainability of natural resources in Nigeria cannot be overemphasized. Nigeria is blessed with a number of minerals. despite these, the country has operated a monolithic economy and has neglected activities in other areas of mining especially sand. sand is a major resource mined in Nigeria due to its high demand in various industries and most times illegally. this necessitates the evaluation of the legal framework on sand mining in Nigeria. this paper adopts a doctrinal approach and finds that sand mining in Nigeria faces several challenges ranging from the non-implementation of the relevant legal framework to unregulated activities in the sector. the paper further finds that the Nigerian minerals and mining act of 2007 did not specifically address sand mining but mentions sand in the interpretation section as a mineral in the country. the regulation of sand mining was not specifically given prominence but is subsumed under small-scale mining. the paper notes that sand mining has attendant socio-economic and environmental impacts. the paper further notes that one of the challenges in this sector is inadequate infrastructure and poor monitoring by the relevant government agencies. the research therefore recommends the enactment and enforcement of regulations on sand mining specifically. it also recommends public private partnership in the sector to help in infrastructural development. the paper concludes that effective community participation and engagement in the sector will help address the issues of conflict and environmental degradation.