Dr. Afeez Abolore Alabi, the Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development in Kwara State, has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Department of State Services (DSS) to collaborate effectively in addressing the issue of illegal mining activities in the state.
During his courtesy visits to the headquarters of both security agencies in Ilorin, the state capital, Abolore highlighted the urgency of the situation due to the prevalence of illegal mining activities in Kwara State.
He expressed concern over the adverse effects of illegal mining on the state’s revenue and emphasized the need for concerted efforts to combat this menace.
In response, Harry Erin, the Zonal Director of the EFCC in the state, commended the commissioner for the visit and assured of the EFCC’s readiness to collaborate with the ministry to tackle illegal mining. He emphasized the importance of stakeholders’ involvement and support in mitigating revenue losses for the government.
Similarly, the State Director of the DSS emphasized Kwara’s abundant and high-quality mineral resources, underscoring their significant revenue potential for the state government.
The call for collaboration between these security agencies reflects a collective effort to address the challenges posed by illegal mining and safeguard the state’s economic interests.
He therefore urged the state government to evolve strategies and put up programmes that would empower the youths, adding, “The more we get them involved in productive activities, the better for our society.”
