Akwa Ibom Begins Clamp Down On Illegal Miners

Akwa Ibom State government has expressed concern over the operations of illegal miners, noting that such indiscriminate activities violate the necessary environmental laws and regulations.

The commissioner for environment and mineral resources, Rt. Hon. Nsikak Ekong, who spoke on unwholesome practices of the perpetrators, warned that government would no longer tolerate such illegality and the culprits would be made to face the law.

Ekong, who led the task force team, sealed the premises of Jerospalm Company for engaging in illegal dredging and mining operations at Edebom Nsit in Nsit Ubium local government area.

LEADERSHIP Sunday gathered the shutdown followed formal complaints from residents of Ikot Idem, Afaha Abia and Ikot Nsit who accused the company of causing severe environmental degradation, pollution of water courses, damage to farmlands and weakening public infrastructure through its unregulated dredging activities.

“The state government will not condone any operation that endangers the environment or threatens public safety,” Ekong warned.

He directed the management of Jerospalm Company to produce all legal authorisations for their activities to ascertain whether the requirements comply with regulatory frameworks, including securing a valid Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report before commencing any form of mineral exploration.

“This government is committed to responsible environmental stewardship. No individual or company will be allowed to undermine our ecosystems or endanger communities through unlawful exploitation of natural resources,” the commissioner stated and directed all operators in the mining and dredging sector to engage the ministry for proper documentation and compliance.