Ola Olukoyede highlights economic and safety risks at National Mining Conference
In a stirring speech at the 5th Annual Conference of the National Council on Mining and Mineral Resources Development (NCMMR), held in Ilorin, Ola Olukoyede, Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), identified the serious threats that illegal mining activities throughout Nigeria pose to her National Economic Growth and Development.
Speaking through Assistant Commander Michael Nzekwe, the EFCC’s Ilorin Zonal Commander, Mr. Olukoyede underlined that illicit mining operations not only cause financial leakage but also seriously endanger public safety.
Declaring, “Illegal mining is not only a threat to our local and national economy but also constitutes a grave danger to the lives of the people,” he called attention to this urgent issue.
He voiced alarm about the widespread resource looting in Kwara State by artisanal miners, pointing out that these resources might greatly enhance the state’s economic independence if they were used wisely.
Mr.Olukoyede applauded Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq’s efforts to combat corruption and illicit mining, and he urged all parties involved to work together to combat criminal activity related to mining that is not authorised.
In his keynote speech, Governor Abdulrasaq announced the state’s intention to grow the mining industry. He revealed that, as part of its efforts to secure profitable mining sites, the government has registered five Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs), establishing Kwara State as one of Nigeria’s leading producers of solid minerals. Inviting investors to capitalise on the abundant and valuable mineral resources found in each of Kwara state’s sixteen Local Government Areas, Abdulrasaq made this point clear.
Abdulqowiyu Olododo, the Kwara State Commissioner for Solid Mineral Development, confirmed that the government works with law enforcement to protect investors inside the state. He stressed that there is a framework in place that makes work easier in the state without going against the Federal Mining Act.
The EFCC Chairman’s stern warning against economic saboteurs and the commitment of Kwara State to foster a conducive environment for mining activities echo a collective call for action to safeguard Nigeria’s economic interests and ensure the sustainable and legal exploitation of its rich mineral resources. As stakeholders converge to address the challenges, the battle against illegal mining takes centre stage in the quest for a thriving and secure economic landscape.
