LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-The Ogun State government has announced that it will impose strict penalties and pursue legal action against anyone involved in illegal mining and dredging within the state.
The Commissioner for Industry, Trade, and Investment, Adebola Sofela, represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olu. Ola. Aikulola, issued the warning during a miners and dredgers stakeholders meeting held in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, according to a statement.
Sofela emphasized the consequences for miners and dredgers operating with expired documents, highlighting the destructive impact of irresponsible mining and dredging on the community and state infrastructure.
The commissioners urged stakeholders to recognize mining and dredging as vital sectors contributing to revenue, while appealing against illegal activities.
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“Mining is a win-win thing if done responsibly, but destructive and disruptive when it is irresponsibly carried out, given the monumental financial effects it has on government and the community at large,” the commissioner said.
He noted that while the state government had previously tolerated the activities of illegal miners and dredgers, they would now be subject to full legal repercussions.
“The note of warning I am giving today indicates that it will not be business as usual going forward. If you get arrested for illegal mining and dredging, you will face the full wrath of the law,” Sofela said.
The commissioner urged an immediate review of operators’ documentation to discourage those with expired papers among miners and dredgers.
In response, a stakeholder, Ebenezer Aina, expressed support for the state government’s directive.
He praised the minister’s commitment to upholding standard practices in mining and dredging operations.