Minister of State, Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah, yesterday, vowed to stamp out illegal mining activities in Edo State and the country, saying the nefarious act is the bane of the mining sector.
Ogah made the pledge during a courtesy visit to the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, at Government House, Benin City.
Pledging Federal Government’s commitment towards harnessing benefits of solid minerals in Edo, Ogah said the state should rank second in terms of mineral resources, particularly limestone.
He expressed worry over foreign nationals in illegal mining activities in the country, and called for coordination and cooperation to stop it.
Ogah, who described mining as an investment of the future, said Nigeria is blessed with over 44 mineral resources with all of them in commercial quantities and capable of creating more jobs for the teeming unemployed youths in the country.
He said: “Based on its rich mineral resources, Edo should rank second in terms of revenue coming from mining, particularly limestone. Mining employs more people than agriculture if properly harnessed.
“Illegal mining is everywhere, it has become a bane in the sector and we need the help of local government authorities and chiefs because it is not good for us to allow illegal miners. Sometimes, these illegal miners are not Nigerians, they are other nationals taking advantage of our gullible brothers and sisters. Ordinarily, no other nationals should have artisanal mining licence, it is only meant to help Nigerians.”
On his part, Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, appreciated the Federal Government for its commitment towards repositioning the solid mineral sector and tackling activities of illegal miners operating in parts of Edo State, which he noted posed serious security threat to the people.
Obaseki assured of the state government’s readiness to partner the federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development to attract investment to Edo state.
