The Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, representing the federal government, is eager to join forces with state governments to put an end to illegal mining activities in the country.
During a recent courtesy visit by Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, to the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, Dr. Mary Ogbe, the permanent secretary, emphasized the urgent need for collaboration between the ministry and Taraba State to address the rampant issue of illegal mining.
This illicit practice not only poses economic challenges by draining government revenue but also leads to security problems and conflicts among communities in mineral-rich states.
Recognizing that combating illegal mining requires collective efforts, Dr. Ogbe sought robust dialogue between the Ministry and the Taraba State government. Such collaboration would enable the sustainable elimination of illegal mining activities within the confines of the law.
Commending the state government’s proactive security measures to prevent law and order breakdown due to illegal mining, the permanent secretary urged Governor Kefas to support legal miners in the state, fostering investor confidence in the mineral sector.
In his speech, Governor Kefas condemned the destructive actions of illegal miners in Taraba State, who engage in unlawful exploration and often spark communal clashes and environmental degradation.
To address this issue, he called upon the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development to establish effective communication and collaboration channels with Taraba State.
This would facilitate the proper processing and authentication of licenses issued to investors, as well as other necessary documentation for mineral exploration.
By working together, the federal government and Taraba State aim to eradicate illegal mining activities and promote responsible and lawful mining practices for the benefit of the nation’s economy and environment.
“This measure would create an enabling environment for attracting genuine investors into the state to achieve the much desired socio-economic transformation of the country,” he stated.
