In a bid to clamp down on illegal mining activities, the Kwara State government has offered to assist the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The state revealed that there are 230 mining companies operating without necessary licenses across its 16 Local Government Areas (LGAs).
This development was disclosed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development in Kwara State, Okanlawon Musa Olarewaju. According to him, none of the 230 operators had attempted to revalidate their licenses. The state is currently urging these companies to present their documents for regularization and revalidation.
Applauding the efforts of the EFCC’s Ilorin Zonal Command in combating illegal mining, Olarewaju asserted the government’s resolve to bolster the Commission’s operations in the state. He called on all citizens to support and commend the EFCC’s initiative.
Addressing the loopholes in the system that allow corrupt individuals to profit from these illegal mining operations, Olarewaju urged the EFCC not to be swayed by their tactics, as “corruption would always fight back.”
He also highlighted the case of a Chinese company operating in Olayinka, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State. During a visit to the site, Olarewaju lamented the lack of development, poor state of the roads, and the company’s failure to pay royalties to the government.
The Permanent Secretary assured Michael Nzekwe, the Ilorin Zonal Commander of the EFCC, of the Kwara government’s full support in their efforts to eradicate illegal mining activities in the state during a courtesy visit.
SOURCE: The Guardian
IMAGE: Punch
