NSCDC urges miners operating in A’Ibom to get licence
Akpan Umoh, Uyo
The Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Akwa Ibom State Command, Mr Eluyemi Eluwade, says the command will soon embark on the arrest and prosecution of illegal miners in the state to serve as a deterrent to others.
He warned miners operating illegally to obtain their licenses from the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development as their illegal activities amount to economic sabotage to the nation.
Eluwade gave the warning on Friday while speaking with newsmen after a tour of mining sites in Uyo and Ibesikpo Local Government Areas.
The state commandant read the riot act to illegal miners, and tipper/truck drivers, who buy sand and laterite from illegal miners.
He said that the recently inaugurated mining marshals would be deployed to Akwa Ibom to help check all forms of economic sabotage in the mining industry.
“We will make sure all illegal miners are arrested and prosecuted because the riot act has been read to all of them that they should stop illegal mining.
“Go and get your licenses, but most of them have refused, very soon more of them will be arrested and this will serve as a deterrent to others.
“We are not stopping them from doing business but all we are saying is get registered and obtain your licence to operate legally.
“Anyone that wants to prove stubborn will find himself in court,” Eluwade said.
Eluwade informed legal miners in the state that better days are ahead as the Command will stop at nothing to put a stop to illegal mining in the state which robs the federal and state governments of revenue.
He reminded miners of the importance of mining responsibly, in order not to degrade the environment and putting adequate effort into reclaiming a mined site.
“The revenue from mining of mineral resources finds its way to states as well through the 13 per cent derivation principle.
“Government expect anyone carrying out activity anywhere in the country to obtain a mining licence,” he said.
The Akwa Ibom Chairman of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Mr Iyakise Udofia, who led the commandant and his entourage on the tour of the mining sites appreciated the contribution of NSCDC to bringing sanity to mining business.
Udofia said that illegal miners who do not pay royalties and taxes sell their products at cheaper rates, thus frustrating licensed miners.
He said that the association condemned all forms of illegal mining in the state, as it caused environmental degradation, safety hazards and economic losses.
The state chairman of the Miners Association urged governments to take decisive action against illegal mining in the state to checkmate their activities.
“We believe that through collaboration, we can combat illegal mining effectively. We are ready to work with government, communities, and other stakeholders to implement effective solutions,” Udofia said.
He called on miners in the state to cooperate with the NSCDC and pledged to continue to collaborate with all stakeholders for the growth and development of the mining industry in the state.
