TheCable

The Kwara government says about 230 mining operators in the state are yet to revalidate and regularise their operating licences.

Okanlawon Musa-Olarewaju, permanent secretary at Kwara state ministry of solid minerals development, who said the operators have been instructed to come for revalidation, spoke on Friday.

While speaking during a courtesy visit to Michael Nzekwe, Ilorin zonal commander of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Musa-Olarewaju said the state government is solidly behind the agency in its efforts to rid Kwara of illegal miners within the 16 LGAs of the state.

He urged the commission not to be deterred by the antics of some corrupt individuals benefiting from illegal mining, adding that the state government would continue to support EFCC in the clampdown.

“We are following your activities closely, especially the latest arrest of some Chinese nationals over alleged illegal mining in the state,” NAN quoted Musa-Olarewaju as saying.

“The Chinese people have a company in Olayinka, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara. When I visited the place, I almost shed tears. The place is not developed, the roads are not motorable and yet the company is not paying royalty to the government.”

“There are no fewer than 230 mining operators in the state and none of them has come forward to revalidate their operating licences.

“We have called them now to come to the ministry to bring their documents for regularisation and revalidation.”

On his part, Nzekwe commended Musa-Olarewaju for pledging to support the commission in the fight against corruption, particularly in its onslaught against illegal mining.

He said such support and collaboration from stakeholders is what the EFCC requires to stamp out corruption in the country.

The EFCC zonal commander said the agency would ensure that the operators pay royalties to the government and also obey the local content law.

He hinted at plans by the commission to set up a task force to tackle illegal mining across the state.

Nzekwe said the task force will comprise representatives of all law enforcement agencies, while the EFCC will be saddled with prosecuting suspects arrested.

He said the zonal command of the EFCC has secured the conviction of five illegal miners and also recovered a huge amount of money in one year.