The Kwara State Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development, Afees Alabi has called for collaboration with the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), to curb illegal mining in the state.
The newly appointed Commissioner made the call during a courtesy visit to the Kwara State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, Commandant Umar Mohammed at the State command headquarters in Ilorin.
He highlighted the challenges faced by the mining sector, particularly the menace of illegal mining and the illicit carting away of the nation’s mineral resources.
The Commissioner emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to fully engage the services of the corps to halt illegal mining through a renewed onslaught against those exploiting the resources of the nation unlawfully.
Abolore explained that the visit became necessary to ensure the security of the host communities and the entire State from miscreants and intruders in order for the State to benefit from the mining sector, including, but not limited to attaining huge revenue generation for the economic prosperity of the citizens.
On some of the past operations of the Command, Abolore commended the NSCDC, Kwara Command for its relentless efforts at combating illegal mining activities in the State.
The Director of Solid Minerals, Mr Kunle Adimula, in his remarks, sought for total cooperation and support of the Command at securing the State’s mining sites as well as to generate reasonable revenue for the development of the State.
Responding, the NSCDC Kwara State Commandant. Umar Mohammed congratulated the Commissioner on his recent appointment and thanked him for the visit, promising to synergize with the Ministry to rid the State of illegal mining operators and secure the society as a whole from criminals carting away the State’s resources illegally with a view to revamping the mining sector.
