The Oyo State government has expressed its readiness to collaborate with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) with a view to tackling illegal mining in the state.
Director-General of the Oyo State Mineral Development Agency (OSMDA), Mr Abiodun Oni, said this recently during a visit to the Commandant of the NSCDC in the state, Mr. Michael Adaralewa.
The OSMDA Director-General said the state was determined to put a stop to all acts of stealing and other irregularities being perpetrated by some individuals and groups on mining sites, adding that his agency would count on the NSCDC partnership to achieve the objective.
Oni said, “the purpose of our visit is to express our appreciation to your organisation for all you have been doing to support us. We have really enjoyed tremendous support from you and we are grateful to you for that. But we need more support.
“As you are probably aware, our governor, Engr Seyi Makinde, wants to expand the economy of the state and one of the areas being considered is the solid mineral sector. But the challenge we have is that there are many illegal miners who perpetrate all manners of atrocities on our mining sites.
“We can’t allow them to continue, because their activities will deter genuine investors. So, we need your support to put a stop to their activities.”
Oni expressed the determination of the state government to sanitise the mining sector through the Mining Act and all other relevant laws.
The NSCDC Commandant, in his response, assured Oni of his command’s readiness to join hands with the agency to end criminality in the state’s mining sector.
He also thanked the state government for always supporting the command through the provision of security cars, vans, and security gadgets, among others.
He added that for more effective security in the state, the government should increase its support to the command.
Signed
Sulaimon Olanrewaju
Chief Press Secretary to the Oyo State Governor
October 29, 2023.
