In its bid to combat illegal mining activities in Kwara State, North Central Nigeria, the State Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Afeez Abolore Alabi, has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as well as the Department of State Security Services in the State on the need for effective collaboration on ways to curb the menace of illegal mining activities in the State.
The Commissioner made the call in Ilorin when he paid courtesy visits to the Headquarters of the two security agencies in Ilorin, the State Capital.
Abolore explained that the visits became necessary in view of the precarious and incessant illegal practices of carting away the natural resources endowments of the State.
The Commissioner expressed worry over the negative impact of the activities of illegal miners on the revenues of the State.
Responding, the State Zonal Director, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Harry Erin, appreciated the Commissioner for the visit with a promise to synergize with the Ministry to rid the state of illegal miners. He called for stakeholders’ participation and support to reduce the revenue loss due to the Government.
The Director also took time to share his deep knowledge and wealth of experience in the mining sector over the years.
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Similarly, the State Director, DSS on his part, said Kwara was blessed with varieties of quality Mineral Resources with great revenue potential to the State Government.
He, therefore, urged the State Government to evolve strategies and put up programmes that would empower the youths. The more we get them involved in productive activities, the better for our society. he added.
The two heads appreciated the State Governor, Mallam AbdulRaman AbdulRazaq and the Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum for providing logistics and enabling environment with sustainable support to the security agencies in Kwara State.
Erin and Patrick thanked the Commissioner and his team for taking the time to visit their offices and promised their readiness to support the State Government in promoting mining activities by ending the activities of illegal miners.
The Director, Solid Minerals, Mr. Kunle Adimula, appreciated them for the love and warm reception given to the Ministry to be in their offices and also for the previous positive interventions and engagements in the past.
