The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its partnership with the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA).
This partnership commitment is to combat illegal mining, curb environmental degradation, and promote sustainable environmental management across the state.
The Acting Director-General of the Oyo State Mineral Resources Development Agency (OYSMIDA), Mr Taofeek Adeagbo, made this known while receiving a delegation from NESREA on a courtesy visit to the OYSMIDA office in Ibadan.
Adeagbo emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between the state government and relevant federal government agencies to address the growing environmental challenges posed by illegal mining activities in parts of the state.
He reaffirmed the state government’s readiness to partner with all relevant stakeholders and agencies in implementing lawful and practical measures aimed at protecting the environment and ensuring the well-being of residents.
In his remarks, the Oyo State Coordinator of NESREA, Mr Audu Mayowa, who led the delegation, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to working closely with the Oyo State Mineral Resources Development Agency to strengthen environmental protection and enforcement.
He explained that NESREA’s statutory responsibility includes enforcing compliance with environmental laws, regulations, policies, guidelines, and standards, as well as monitoring facilities to ensure environmental compliance.
Mayowa disclosed that both agencies will work towards establishing a joint technical committee to gather information from communities, identify environmental challenges, and develop practical solutions to mitigate the adverse effects of illegal mining.
He expressed optimism that the renewed collaboration between NESREA and OYSMIDA will significantly enhance environmental protection efforts, curb illegal mining activities, and promote a safer and healthier environment for the people of Oyo State and Nigeria at large.
