By Grace Oakhiena
The Edo State Government through its Ministry of Mining has constituted a taskforce on illegal mining, as part of its commitments towards the mitigation and eventual eradication of illegal mining activities in the State.
The Taskforce was inaugurated in conjunction with the Federal Ministry of Solid Mineral Development at the Ministry of Mining’s Conference Hall in Benin City. It was presided over by the Commissioner for Mining, Hon. Andrew Ijegbai and had in attendance the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Ese Martina Omoruyi; the Zonal Mines Officer of the Federal Ministry of Solid Mineral Development, represented by Mr. Onimisi; the Deputy Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Mr. Richard Akin; Mr. Kelly Okungbowa, amongst other relevant stakeholders.
Hon. Ijegbai in his remarks, appreciated the State Governor, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, for approving the Ministry’s request for a task force to curb illegal activities in the Mining Sector. He reiterated that the Governor wants to encourage people to do business in the State and will always push for it to be done the right way because only when businesses follow legal procedures, would everyone enjoy the full benefits.
He urged the Taskforce to work within the provisions of the law, stressing the need for them to be exemplary and to carry out their duties with dignity and not give-in to bribery. He explained that the major reason for collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Solid Mineral Development to constitute the Taskforce is to curb illegality in the Mining Sector and not create loopholes for illegal miners to operate in the State.
The Commissioner took the opportunity to urge miners in the State to come for the ongoing verification as the process was for their benefit, asserting that the documentation will make the process of identifying illegal miners in the State easily, to fish them out for prosecution. He appreciated the NSCDC for its unwavering support to the Ministry since he assumed office, and solicited continued supports for the Ministry, as well as the progress of the State.
The Permanent Secretary added that the Taskforce’s core duty is to make things right in the Edo State Mining Sector, generate revenue for the Government, and protect the environment for the Edo people. She urged miners to do their businesses rightly, and for the Taskforce to correct all illegalities in the Mining Sector without deteriorating it further.
Mr. Kelly Okungbowa admonished the Taskforce to act rightly, set good precedence, and be transparent in its operations. He assured them that the Commissioner would do everything possible to ensure success of the project.
The Chairman of the Taskforce, Okpamen Bello in his acceptance speech, expressed gratitude to the Governor, Sen. Okpebholo and the Commissioner, Hon. Ijegbai for the opportunity to work for the people of Edo State. He cautioned miners to desist from any form of illegality, as according to him, the Taskforce would not be partial in enforcing the law against illegal operations.
The inauguration of the Taskforce marks a significant step towards promoting legal mining practices, generating revenue for the Government, and protecting the environment.
