Comfort Isaac
Akwa Ibom State governor, Pastor Umo Eno has inaugurated a committee to combat illegal mining activities in the state.
He also directed that all lands procured by oil and gas servicing companies without government approval be investigated and revoked.
He issued the directive to the Commissioner for Lands during the inauguration of the committee at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Uyo, shortly before a meeting of the State Executive Council.
The new committee headed by the Commissioner for Environment and Mineral Resources, as Chairman is expected to combat the rise of illegal mining activities in the State, particularly across the coastlines.
Recall that operatives of the Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, last month arrested eleven suspected illegal miners, including seven Chinese
for engaging in mining activities without requisite license at Emem-Asuk community, Eastern Obolo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
Governor Eno who urged the committee to hit the ground running and ensure that it presents a monthly report, said composition of the committee was large, and all encompassing, to ensure effective delivery.
“The Ministry of Environment cannot do this alone. They need the collaboration of all of us, and we need to back it up with a law.
“If we do not checkmate this menace, there could be an influx of people that could be security threats to our State. That’s why we are taking it very seriously . We want to know who are the miners in this State, what is their profile, what type of minerals are they mining and who do they pay tax to?
“Let me sound a note of warning. If we find anyone illegally involved in encouraging illegal mining in our State, we would severely deal with the person accordingly. Local Government Chairmen, take charge of your respective areas. You are the Chief Executive Officers of the local governments. So, please do not tolerate any illegality, bring it up early to our attention, and let us address it,” he said.
Members of the committee include the State Commissioners for Special Duties, Transport, Internal Security, Attorney General/Commissioner for Justice, Commissioner of Police, Honorary Special Adviser on Security, Chairman of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), and Local Government Chairmen of the coastal areas.
