KGSG set to revolutionise mining for benefits of Kogians
Even as it makes efforts to discourage activities of illegal mining in all parts of the state, Kogi State government is ready to ensure that past mining practices and legal requirements are reexamined to ensure it benefits the people of the state.
The state Attorney General and commissioner for Justice, Ibrahim Muhammed (SAN) made the decision known on Thursday at Isanlu, Yagba West Local Government Area when he led other members of a committee set up by the state Governor, Yahaya Bello, to identify various solid mineral deposits and mining.
The commissioner, who said the state government, despite being interested in the improvement of its Internally Generated Revenue accruing from all sectors, stated that the Governor is also concerned about the communities from where such resources are being tapped and their level of involvement.
He was also quick to inform our correspondent that the extant laws that give mining rights to the miners are also of importance to the committee, stating that their mandate also includes assessing the impact activities of the miners are having on the environment so that government can find a way of partnering with them to improve their operations in the state.
He emphasised that the committee had earlier begun the execution of its assignment with a visit to the coal mines in the eastern part of the state, with another to the western part, saying that all the sites where the state has mineral deposits would be visited, adding that the interest of government was to ensure that the state gets maximum benefits from its natural resources.
While praising the companiesso far visited for their cooperation with the committee members, he praised members of the communities where those deposits exist for their enthusiasm, and assured them of their commitment towards ensuring the needful was done for the development of the entire state.
“Be sure that at the end of this committee's assignment, the mining sector in the state would be revolutionised. We'll ensure that miners get full benefits of their investments and also the local community members get full benefits of the resources that nature has deposited on their lands. The state would also benefit immensely from this assignment.”
Speaking, the state commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Sunday Tolorunleke expressed joy at the level of cooperation the committee got from players in the industry, and said his ministry was ready to explore all the opportunities in the sector.
He encouraged stakeholders in the mining sector to approach the state government with viable proposals, and assured them of the preparedness of the Yahaya Bello government to give them all the encouragement they need to function.
On his part, the commissioner for environment and natural resources, Sanusi Yahaya said his ministry is concerned about the impact activities of the miners was having on the environment, and advocated for proper impact assessment in their operations.
On his part, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Solid Minerals, Charles Umoru lauded the passion demonstrated by members of the committee and their professionalism, and expressed hope that the future of the sector in the state was bright.
He described Kogi State as one of the most endowed, saying what had been lacking in the past was lack of commitment to developing the solid mineral sector to the desired level to be able to contribute to its revenue, which he enthused, was capable of turning around the fortunes of Kogi State for the better.
Also on the entourage was the Chair person of the State Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO), Hajiya Hassiat Ozavize Suleiman.
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