Via its Ministry of Mining, the Edo State Government has formed a taskforce on illegal mining, as part of its commitments towards reducing, and the 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.
In his remarks, Hon. Ijegbai, expressed appreciation to the State Governor, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, for giving the approval to 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 South-South State and will always push for it to be done the right way because only when businesses adhere to legal procedures, would everyone enjoy the full benefits. He charged the Taskforce to carry out their duties within the provisions of the law, emphasizing the need for them to be exemplary and to execute their duties with dignity and not give-in to bribery. He went ahead to explain 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 allow loopholes operations of illegal miners in the State.
The Commissioner seized the opportunity to urge miners in the State to come for the ongoing verification as the process will be of 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 thanked the NSCDC for its unwavering support to the Ministry since he assumed office, and called for more supports for the Ministry, as well as the progress of the State.
The Permanent Secretary continued, the Taskforce’s core duty is to ensure things are right in the Edo State Mining Sector, generate revenue for the Government, as well as protect the environment for the Edo people. She urged miners to do their businesses accordingly, 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, assuring 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, appreciated the Governor, Sen. Okpebholo and the Commissioner, Hon. Ijegbai for the chance to serve the people of Edo State. He warned miners to not indulge in 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 huge step towards promoting legal mining practices, generating revenue for the Government, and protecting the environment.
