Kogi Artisanal Miners: Ododo Orders Regulation in Ankpa »

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has backed lawful artisanal miners in Enjema community, Ankpa Local Government Area, declaring that they should not be treated as criminals for engaging in legitimate mining activities.

The governor, however, directed the state Ministry of Solid Minerals Development to identify licensed mining operators in the area and strengthen engagement with them to address environmental degradation and infrastructural damage associated with mining activities.

Ododo made the position known during an on-the-spot assessment of mining sites in Enjema, where he expressed concern over the poor condition of roads and the lack of basic social amenities despite the mineral resources being extracted from the community.

He said the state government had profiled Kogi artisanal miners, including more than 1,000 degree holders, over 500 master’s degree holders and more than 300 individuals without formal educational qualifications.

Defending the right of legitimate miners to earn a living through their activities, the governor said they should not be subjected to indiscriminate arrests or labelled criminals under the guise of tackling insecurity.

“They are not kidnappers. They are not armed robbers. They have chosen not to go the way of kidnapping. They have chosen to earn a living through their hands. Why should somebody come here, arrest them and tag them as illegal miners?” he asked.

Ododo maintained that his administration would not allow legitimate mining activities to be disrupted in the name of fighting insecurity, stressing its commitment to protecting the lives and livelihoods of residents.

His support for Kogi artisanal miners was accompanied by a directive to the Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development to work with the leadership of the miners’ association to obtain a comprehensive list of licensed mining operators in Enjema.

The governor said the government would engage the operators and ensure they fulfilled their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) obligations, particularly the rehabilitation of damaged roads and provision of essential facilities.

These, he said, should include schools, potable water and electricity to improve the living conditions of host communities.

He also warned traditional rulers against granting consent to unlicensed mining operators, urging those who had issued approvals without following due process to withdraw them.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development, Bashir Gegu, commended the governor’s visit, describing it as an indication of the administration’s commitment to ensuring that the state’s mineral resources benefit its citizens.

Gegu explained that the state government had strengthened regulations governing mining activities, particularly the issuance of community consent letters and the implementation of Community Development Agreements (CDAs).

He noted that such agreements should extend beyond token financial empowerment to include sustainable development projects such as good roads, potable water, electricity, quality schools and scholarships for members of host communities.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Kogi State Chapter, Yunusa Oruma, appreciated the governor’s visit and his administration’s support for the mining sector.

Oruma described Ododo as a supporter of the mining industry and pledged the association’s readiness to mobilise artisanal and other categories of miners in support of the administration.