Implementation levels of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act 2007 on mineral land compensation in Kebbi State, Nigeria

Abstract

The assessment of payable compensation is typically guided by Acts, decrees, and relevant statutory regulations that specify the methods of assessment, procedures, and rights of affected individuals. This study aims to evaluate the extent of implementation of compensation provisions in the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act (NMM Act) 2007 in Kebbi State, Nigeria. Primary data were collected using questionnaires from a sample of eighty-nine (89) heads of Estate Surveying and Valuation firms in North-Western Nigeria, with seventy-two (72) responses (80.9%) returned. Of these, thirty-eight (38) firms with experience in mineral land compensation valuation were selected for analysis. Descriptive statistical tools, including Weighted Mean and Grand Mean based on a Likert scale of 1–5 points, were used for data analysis. The results revealed that only two provisions, Section 70 (1) (j) and Section 71 (1) (d), with weighted mean scores of 2.61 and 2.47, respectively, were above the Grand mean of 2.16, indicating that only these provisions were effectively implemented. The study concluded that the implementation level was as low as 25%, primarily due to selective implementation. The study recommends the establishment of enforcement policies to ensure the proper and comprehensive implementation of the Act's provisions, thereby protecting the rights of host communities.