MINING SECTOR: KWSG on repositioning move engages selected states for an improved IGR AND environmental protection plans
The Kwara State Government in its plans to reposition the mining sector has identified some few selected States in the country with success stories in this very sector and has concluded arrangement to visit those States for exchange of ideas and knowledge.
The Honourable Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development – Dr. Afees Abolore ALABI stated this while receiving in audience the visiting Consultants who are well versed and experienced in Minerals and Mining fields from Ogun State on Thursday, 9th May, 2024.
The said visit which was at the instance of the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Afees Abolore Alabi was to compare notes, engage each other and share wealth of experiences on making cases for an improved revenue generation for Kwara State, safeguard the host communities against environmental degradation and at the same time, strategize on ways to step up actions to curb illegal mining amongst others.
Abolore further explained that the visit was apt and timely especially at this period when the diversification of the non oil export centered mainly on solid minerals development. The Commissioner further said that the mining sector remains very critical and one of the priority focus of the eight (8)agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR).
Dr. Afees Abolore ALABI therefore, called on the visiting officials that the two States stands to benefit tremendously in this collaborative efforts particularly in information and knowledge gathering. This is with a view to curbing the nefarious activities of illegal Miners and Security challenges their operations could pose not to host Communities alone but State at large while receiving exponential revenue growth for the two States.
Responding at the meeting is the formal Director Geologist and also retired permanent secretary from Ogun State, Mr Steve Ipiniwa submitted that the only option at our disposal in this country is to explore Agriculture and Minerals resources potentials for our Economic Development.He emphasized that though Mining is on the exclusive list of the Federal Government by regulation and licensing, it does not stop state government from benefiting or developing the sector. All he said was the need to work and collaborate through legislation of the enabling Law guiding the Mining industry.
Mr Steven urged the Commissioner to organize in house training and practicals for Geologists in service to enable them acquaint themselves with quality information and emerging trends in the discharge of their duties to the Ministry and State.
Also speaking at the meeting is the N U J president of Ogun State ,Mr Wale Olarewaju. He stressed the need to organize a Stakeholders/ Townhall meeting for all Government leaders, the Local Government officials, Traditional rulers, industry private players and investors in the state on advocacy, regulation, monitoring and compliance drives.
The Permanent Secretary, Tpl.Isiaq Yinka Olokooba gave the vote of thanks by appreciating our guests for the wealth of experience and knowledge garnered from them.
