The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its partnership with the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) to combat illegal mining, curb environmental degradation, and promote sustainable environmental management across the state.
Taofeek Adeagbo, the Acting Director-General of the Oyo State Mineral Resources Development Agency (OYSMIDA), made this known while receiving a delegation from NESREA, led by the Oyo State Coordinator, Audu Mayowa, during a courtesy visit to the agency’s office in Ibadan.
Speaking during the meeting, Adeagbo called for stronger collaboration between the Oyo State Government and relevant Federal Government agencies to tackle illegal mining and promote environmental sustainability across affected communities, including the Lagos-Ibadan Quarry axis and Ido.
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.
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Taofeek Atilola, the Director of Administration of the Agency, stressed that effective environmental governance requires close cooperation among government agencies at all levels.
He noted that better coordination between the Federal and State Governments would help distinguish licensed operators from illegal miners and improve regulatory compliance.
Atilola further advocated expanded collaboration between NESREA and other relevant agencies, including the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, to strengthen enforcement efforts and address environmental concerns arising from mining operations.
Audu Mayowa, the Oyo State Coordinator of NESREA, 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 would 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.
Mayowa noted that inspections of mining sites in Igbeti, Igbo-Ora and other locations revealed that many abandoned mining pits had filled with water, posing safety risks to children and residents, stressing the need for sustained public awareness to discourage access to such sites and promote safety.
