Nigeria: Ogun Set to Address Illegal Mining

Abeokuta — Ogun State government yesterday warned illegal miners operating in the state to desist from the act as it would henceforth not hesitate to prosecute anyone who violates the rules guiding mining in the state.

The government issued the warning after impounding five trucks whose owners were engaged in illegal mining activities. The truck owners were using the trucks to transport mineral resources they illegally mined.

The Director-General of the Geographical Service Department of the Ministry of Commerce and Industries, Mr. Steve Ipiniwa, who spoke also asked miners with licences to operate within the mining laws or have such licences withdrawn.

He pledged that the government would collaborate with all relevant agencies to permanently put an end to the menace being created in the environment as a result of illegal mining.

Ipiniwa spoke when he led the monitoring team of the ministry to the proposed Ogun State Industrial Park, along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, which has now been taken over by illegal miners.

He assured that government would continue to work with traditional rulers, community leaders and others to sensitise the miners on the ecological devastation and negative impact of their activities on the people.

The director-general warned that government would deal with anyone caught violating the rules guiding mining in the state, disclosing that the owners of the five trucks impounded and handed over to the law enforcement agencies during the visit would be prosecuted.

He advised those operating with licenses and relevant documents to abide by existing guidelines so as not to run foul of the law.

SOURCE:THE GUARDIAN