NSCDC warns illegal miners to stay clear from A’Ibom

Akpan Umoh, Uyo

The Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Akwa Ibom State Command, Mr Eluyemi Eluwade, has warned illegal miners to stay clear of the state, saying that their activities will be treated as economic sabotage to the nation.

Eluwade said this during an interaction with stakeholders in the mining sector in the state on their activities in Uyo on Tuesday.

He reminded miners that mining was on the Exclusive List and that only the Federal Government has the right to issue mining licenses to mine any mineral in the country.

“Mineral resources are under the Exclusive Legislative List, as such, they belong to the Federal Government; so also is the license to mine any mineral.

“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 license,” Eluwade said.

Eluwade said that his tour of mining sites in the state was worrisome as illegal mining has degraded the environment completely.

He called on miners to ensure that they reclaim the environment from which they have excavated to keep the environment safe.

“The scar on the Environment as a result of mining is scary. It will be worse if we do nothing about it, hence, the reason we are here is to sensitise and talk to ourselves.

“You will be availed of pictures and video of a borrow pit I visited this week somewhere in Uruan. You will see why we all have to join hands to ensure that we insist that the right thing should be done.

“So, all holders of license: foreigners, Nigerians, individuals, companies etc. are henceforth notified that they are required to reclaim the environment from which they have excavated.

“It is not enough to hold a license, the license also demands reclamation of excavated land on expiry of excavation,” he said.

In his remarks, the State Chairman of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Mr Iyakise Udofia, said that the association advocates for responsible and sustainable practice in the state.

Udofia said that the association condemned all forms of illegal mining in the state, as it caused environmental degradation, safety hazards and economic losses.

He urged governments to take decisive action against illegal mining in the state to checkmate their activities in the state.

“We believe that through collaboration, we can combat illegal mining effectively. We are ready to work with the government, communities, and other stakeholders to implement effective solutions. 

“This includes creating awareness, promoting responsible practice and fostering economic opportunities that discourage illegal activities,” Udofia said.