The Lagos State Government, under the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, has declared its commitment to cracking down on illegal mining and dredging activities in the state.
According to The PUNCH, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Energy and Mineral Resources, Abiola Olowu, announced the government’s stance, emphasizing that violators of mining and dredging laws will face prosecution.
In a statement released on Friday, Olowu revealed that the ministry has initiated a comprehensive visitation exercise across the state.
The exercise, which commenced on Monday, January 8,2024, is aimed at minimizing illegalities in the solid minerals and mining sectors.
Olowu stated, “As part of the drive to curb illegality in the solid minerals, mining sectors, toll fee, and revenue points, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Office of Mineral Resources has commenced a scheduled visitation exercise to all the dredging, mining, toll and revenue points across the five divisions of Lagos State.
“The exercise which commenced on Monday, January 8, 2024, was targeted at curbing illegalities in the solid minerals and mining sectors across the state to a minimal level. The Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led administration will begin enforcement of all relevant laws guiding mining and dredging activities in the state.
“Anyone caught violating the set rules, laws, and guidelines of the dredging and mining in the state will be prosecuted. Therefore, we urge all the dredgers and miners across the state to go obtain all necessary permits and regularise their operations with the Office of Mineral Resources.”
Olowu warned that individuals found contravening the regulations and guidelines of dredging and mining in the state will be subject to legal action.
He urged all dredgers and miners in Lagos to obtain the necessary permits and regularize their operations with the Office of Mineral Resources to avoid facing prosecution.
This directive follows an explosion in Ibadan on Tuesday, reportedly caused by the activities of illegal miners, resulting in the loss of at least four lives.
The government’s move to clamp down on illegal mining and dredging reflects its commitment to ensuring compliance with regulations and safeguarding public safety.
