The Akwa Ibom State government has expressed dismay at the proliferation of illegal mining sites in parts of the state, noting that such unwholesome practices by extractive firms, especially Chinese expatriates working with local collaborators, constituted economic sabotage.
LEADERSHIP Sunday recalls that the worrisome trends led to the inauguration of the State Committee on Illegal Mining by the governor, Umo Eno, with the mandate to effectively regulate the sector to ward off illegal mineral resource miners and restore sanity.
Consequently, the task force team led by the committee chairman and commissioner for Environment and Mineral Resources, Hon Nsikak Ekong, has shut down two firms suspected to be culpable in the crime.
The commissioner announced the sanction when he led a delegation of the committee members on a working visit to several mining-affected communities in Ibeno and Eastern Obolo local government areas.
The affected companies – Sadicomex and Shiamo – it was learnt, were shut at their operational bases in Akpabom and Atabrikang communities respectively for not complying to environmental standards.
Addressing the community leaders, youths, residents and stakeholders from both communities, Hon Ekong stressed the need for environment-friendly and sustainable practices to safeguard the ecosystems.
He called for community cooperation in safeguarding natural resources and emphasised the importance of protecting water bodies, farmlands and the environment from further degradation.
“Our visit here is not just to inspect but to act. We are here to work with you, not against you. Illegal mining is destroying our future and it must stop,” the commissioner stated.
He further warned that the administration of Governor Eno would not condone any form of illegal mining and other sleazy plodding of lands with attendant humanitarian crises, which he noted, constitute severe health risks to local residents.
He explained that the ARISE Agenda blueprint of the administration has environmental sustainability as one of its key pillars, and as such, “the government is working around the clock to ensure full implementation of all its visions and goals “
He warned that mining operators who do not fully register their businesses and comply with the environmental standards and best practices would be made to face the full wrath of the law.
The chairman of both LGAs expressed gratitude to the governor for his passion and commitment in addressing challenges and protecting the lives of the indigenes of the area through the inauguration of the committee, stressing their preparedness to partner with him in the fight.
The stakeholders and community leaders in both communities pledged positive actions and readiness to serve as watchdogs in fishing out culprits, even as they applauded the government for its foresight in developing all parts of the state and also enhancing the safety of citizens.
