The Cross River State Government has directed all individuals and companies engaged in mining or quarrying activities across the state to present themselves for immediate profiling, following widespread non-compliance with Executive Order No. 1 of 2024 regulating mining operations.
The directive was announced in a press release issued by the Office of the Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Governor, Linus Obogo, in Calabar.
According to the statement, the order became necessary after authorities observed persistent disregard by some operators for the provisions of the executive order introduced to regulate mining activities in the state.
The government said the order was originally enacted to protect mining host communities from insecurity and exploitation, promote responsible and environmentally conscious mining practices, and ensure that the state properly receives surface rent revenues meant to support the development of affected communities.
However, available records indicate that several operators have continued to carry out mining activities in violation of these directives.
“The Cross River State Government has observed with deep concern the persistent disregard by certain individuals, companies, and entities engaged in mining and quarrying activities for the provisions of Executive Order No. 1 of 2024,” the statement read.
Authorities further noted that the pattern of non-compliance has manifested in questionable and inadequate Community Development Agreements signed with host communities, as well as mining arrangements that undermine the state’s development framework.
The government also raised concerns over what it described as the growing prevalence of mining activities being carried out by entities operating with little or no identifiable documentation.
“This situation is frustrating regulatory oversight, weakening accountability, and exposing host communities to grave risks,” the statement added.
In response, the governor has directed that all individuals, companies and entities involved in mining or quarrying anywhere within Cross River State must present themselves for immediate profiling at the Ministry of Mineral Resources, located within the Water Board Premises along Marian Road in Calabar.
Operators are required to appear with valid means of identification, certificates of incorporation and other corporate documentation for companies, letters of consent, mining licences and other statutory approvals, as well as duly executed Community Development Agreements with host communities.
Officials said additional documentation that could help the ministry determine the legitimacy and compliance status of mining operations may also be requested during the process.
“The profiling exercise shall commence on 16th March 2026 and conclude on 16th April 2026,” the statement said.
The government warned that any individual or company found engaging in mining or quarrying activities in the state after the deadline without completing the profiling process will have its operations shut down and face sanctions prescribed by law.
