Worried by widespread activities of illegal mining in the country, governments at various levels have been urged to effectively regulate the sector by putting tougher measures in place to check unwholesome practices by unscrupulous elements.
The Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN) said the trend had over the years led to the loss of a large chunk of Internally Generated Revenues (IGRs), adding that unaccounted proceeds of illegal exploration and exploitation of solid minerals had become a national sabotage and big embarrassment to the country.
Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State chapter of MAN, Comrade Iyakise Udofia, lamented that these illegal mining activities had resulted in significant revenue losses to both the federal and state governments.
He said: “As you are aware, the mining sector contributes to our national economy, and the state government is entitled to a fair share of the revenue derived from mining operations. The lost revenues affect our ability to fund critical developmental projects and provide essential services to our citizens.
“We believe that cooperation between the Miners Association and the government is paramount in addressing these challenges effectively.
We take this opportunity to appeal to all traditional rulers in Akwa Ibom State to seek guidance from the relevant ministry responsible for mining matters. It is imperative that traditional rulers work in accordance with the Nigeria Minerals and Mining Act of 2007 and its Regulation of 2011.”
According to him, these laws provide the framework for responsible and sustainable mining practices while safeguarding the interests of all stakeholders, including local communities.
Udofia urged traditional rulers to refrain from interfering with mining operations or obstructing the activities of legitimate mining companies, adding that collaborating with mining companies in adherence to the law can bring about immense socio-economic benefits for their communities.
He lamented that illegal mining activities in the state had caused serious environmental degradation, leading to irreparable harm to natural resources.
“The ecological balance is at stake, and urgent action is needed to address this pressing issue,” he added.
Towards effective regulation of the illegal mining activities, Udofia expressed the readiness of his association to work in partnership with governments and other stakeholders to weed out the illegal syndicate in their midst in order “to promote responsible and sustainable mining in the state.
“We must ensure that our mining activities are conducted within the confines of the law and with a strong sense of responsibility towards the environment and our community. By upholding the Nigeria Minerals and Mining Act of 2007 and its Regulation of 2011, we can build a sustainable and prosperous mining industry that benefits all of Akwa Ibom State,” he said.
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