In a decisive move to tackle illegal coal mining and promote responsible exploitation of mineral resources, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Mining Marshals have entered into a strategic partnership with the Ankpa Traditional Council to ensure that mining activities in Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State are conducted within the ambit of the law.
The resolution was reached during a courtesy visit by the Commander of the NSCDC Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant of Corps, ACC, John Onoja Attah, to the palace of the Ejeh of Ankpa and Chairman of the Ankpa Traditional Council, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Abubakar Yakubu Ahmed.
Speaking during the visit, Onoja conveyed the goodwill of the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, and the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, urging the people of Ankpa to embrace legitimate mining by partnering only with duly licensed mining companies.
He advised host communities to take advantage of the Federal Government’s regulatory framework by reporting any licensed mining company that fails to comply with its Community Development Agreement, CDA, assuring them that such complaints would receive prompt attention from the appropriate authorities.
According to him, the vast coal deposits and other mineral resources in Ankpa should serve as a source of economic prosperity rather than fuel environmental degradation, insecurity and the needless loss of lives.
“The mineral resources with which Ankpa has been blessed should not become a curse to the people. Following our engagement with the traditional council, anyone who continues to engage in illegal mining will be sanctioned in accordance with the provisions of the law,” he said.
Mr Onoja expressed concern over the increasing fatalities associated with unregulated mining activities, stressing that the Mining Marshals would no longer tolerate unsafe mining practices that endanger the lives of young people in the area.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Mining Marshals to sanitising the nation’s mining sector through sustained enforcement of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act while strengthening collaboration with traditional institutions and host communities.
Responding, the Ejeh of Ankpa commended the Minister of Solid Minerals Development and the NSCDC Commandant General for their prompt intervention in addressing the concerns of the people over illegal mining activities in the area.
The monarch pledged the full support of the Ankpa Traditional Council towards the actualisation of what he described as “safe mining”, noting that a well-regulated mining sector would create employment opportunities for youths while protecting lives and the environment.
He declared zero tolerance for illegal and unregulated mining, assuring the Federal Government that the traditional institution would work closely with the Mining Marshals and other relevant authorities to ensure that mining activities in Ankpa are conducted in line with extant laws.
The meeting ended with both parties reaffirming their commitment to sustained collaboration aimed at eliminating illegal mining, protecting host communities and ensuring that the mineral wealth of Ankpa contributes meaningfully to the socio-economic development of Kogi State and Nigeria at large.
