- NMGS President Prof. Olatunji criticized the government’s insincerity in combatting illegal mining, stressing its presence in all 36 states and Abuja
- He emphasized the need for well-funded, regulated personnel and suggested NMGS collaboration with the inspectorate unit for effective oversight
The Nigerian Mining and Geoscience Society (NMGS) has accused the federal government of not being sincere in its efforts to combat illegal mining across the country.
Speaking at the 255th Council Meeting of NMGS in Uyo, the society’s president, Prof. Shedrack Olatunji, lamented that illegal mining activities persist in all 36 states and Abuja. He stated that the government lacks genuine intent to stop these activities.
Prof. Olatunji highlighted the lack of qualified, well-funded, and well-regulated personnel monitoring mining activities. He said this indicates the government’s superficial approach to curbing illegal mining.
He explained that federal mines offices across the states are poorly staffed, equipped, and motivated to monitor mining operations effectively. He called for increased the inspectorate unit’s staff strength in the mines offices.
Advocating for private sector involvement, Prof. Olatunji suggested that NMGS could collaborate with the inspectorate unit to perform oversight functions.
“As a society, we frown at illegal mining because it is denying the nation its revenue, it is denying our people jobs, and it is also devastating our environment. If illegal mining is not curtailed, you will see vast wastelands that are not good for any other use. There is illegal mining going on in all parts of the country, in the 36 states of the Federation, including Abuja,” he said.
Prof. Olatunji urged the government to allocate public funds for producing geological maps, acknowledging that the project would require significant personnel and funding to be successful.