Nigeria, Sept. 11 -- The House of Representatives has begun consideration of a bill that could reshape relations between Nigeria's mining companies and host communities, with stakeholders sharply divided on its potential impact.

The legislation, sponsored by Sunday Dekeri (APC, Edo), passed second reading in July 2024.

It seeks to create a commission that would protect the rights of communities where solid minerals are mined, and ensure they benefit directly from the resources extracted from their lands.

The bill came under review at a public hearing of the Committee on Solid Minerals Development on Thursday, with community leaders strongly backing its passage while some industry voices raised concerns about its overlap with existing l...