BY Busola Aro
Dele Alake, minister of solid minerals development, says the federal government will work with host communities and traditional rulers to ensure smooth mining operations.
The minister gave the assurance on Tuesday when he hosted Matthew Opaluwa, the Attah of Igala and president of the Kogi traditional rulers council, in Abuja.
Alake said host communities and traditional rulers play significant roles in ensuring a conducive environment required for the socio-economic development of communities.
He also stressed the need for host communities to take ownership of mining activities and collaborate with the government to ensure efficient mining operations, adding that the government was committed to protecting the rights of communities.
“Whatever we can do to ensure a peaceful, operating environment, we will do,” Alake said.
“We also need the cooperation of locals in partnering with the government to ensure better security. If we have peace around mining operations, we will be able to attract more investments in the mining sector.”
Alake assured the traditional ruler that the ministry’s inspectorate would be strengthened to ascertain the authenticity of mining agreements, promising the inclusion of the monarchs in signing agreements on behalf of host communities.
“To ensure the payment of due royalties and protection of community rights, we have evolved plans to reposition the Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO) for optimum efficiency,” he said.
On his part, Opaluwa commended the minister’s developmental efforts since assuming office.
The monarch, however, said unlicensed miners were a major challenge to residents.
“Unlicensed miners and those operating without requisite agreement with host communities remain an albatross, posing security challenges to the locals,” he said.
He called for prominent roles for the paramount rulers of host communities to protect the interests of the people.
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