The Ogun State Government has issued a stern warning to operators engaging in mining and dredging activities without proper authorization.
The state has vowed to implement stringent legal actions and severe sanctions against violators.
The Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Adebola Sofela, have the warning during a stakeholders’ meeting with miners and dredgers held in Abeokuta.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olu. Ola. Aikulola, Sofela emphasised the critical importance of responsible mining and dredging due to their significant revenue and employment generation potentials globally.
The Commissioner lamented the adverse effects of irresponsible mining and dredging on the community and state infrastructure, highlighting their potential to cause both destruction and disruption.
He pointed out that some operators were working with expired documents, urging them to undergo immediate screening and obtain new clearances before resuming operations.
The Ministry had previously suspended mining and dredging activities across the state on March 28, 2024, to allow for a comprehensive review and upgrade of operational guidelines in alignment with the policies of the current administration.
Sofela hinted at a new payment template, encouraging operators to adopt it for seamless transactions with the government.
Sofela stressed the importance of miners fulfilling their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and their commitments to the government, ensuring that neither the community nor the government is short-changed.
“The note of warning I am giving today is an indication that it is not going to be business as usual going forward. If you are arrested for illegal mining and dredging, you will be made to face the full wrath of the law,” Sofela declared.
“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 community at large. We have a collective responsibility to protect our environment and see that things are done according.”
In response, Mr. Ebenezer Aina, representing the miners and dredgers, commended the government for its efforts to ensure adherence to standard practices in their operations.
He acknowledged the importance of maintaining high standards to benefit both the industry and the broader community.
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