No Witch Hunting In Our Mining Reforms, Says Adeleke

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring fair practices in the mining sector.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ forum held in Osogbo, the governor, who the secretary represented to the state government, Hon Teslim Igbalaye, highlighted the ongoing legal and policy challenges within the federal system, particularly in the mining sector, where state and federal, and community rights often clash.

He emphasised the need for clearer boundaries between state and federal responsibilities to address complications in the sector and commended the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals’ regulatory coordination.

“We are all aware of the policy and legal complications around our brand of federalism. The struggle to clear these issues is ongoing, especially within the solid mineral sector,” the governor stated.

He pointed out that some stakeholders in the business sector exploit legal grey areas to undermine the rights of states and host communities.

Through brutal but equitable policy actions, the governor outlined his administration’s proactive steps to strengthen Osun’s position within the sector.

He emphasised the revalidation of mining licenses and the recovery of Osun’s shares in the Segilola mining project, alongside efforts to ensure the payment of taxes and other financial obligations by mining companies.

Governor Adeleke also stressed the state’s push for compensation for environmental damages caused by mining activities, lamenting the health and developmental challenges facing Mining towns and villages.