Gani Adams, widely known as the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yoruba land, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu for immediate action against the pervasive issue of illegal mining in Nigeria. Adams asserted that this illicit activity is directly responsible for the staggering annual loss of billions of dollars in the country.
In a statement released on Friday by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Aderemi, Gani Adams Emphasised the importance of addressing the pressing issues at hand. Notably, Adams commended the recent enactment of the electricity reform bill and the introduction of educational loans for students, recognising them as commendable initiatives that hold immense potential to ensure robust power generation, seamless distribution, and foster overall growth across various sectors.
Adams stated, ‘A special revenue generation committee should be established to work on the modalities of the money that can be generated through special tax from multinational companies and other investors in Nigeria. This will reduce crime in the country and also decrease the spate of insecurity.’
‘This committee should also be empowered to halt the ongoing illegal mining in various parts of the country. From Zamfara to Oyo, Enugu to Kebbi, Osun to Rivers, illegal miners are rampantly operating, resulting in the government losing billions of dollars every year.’
‘It is both ridiculous and embarrassing that the majority of these perpetrators are foreigners, supported by some unpatriotic and selfish Nigerians. If this menace can be appropriately and effectively tackled with the use of force and legal sanctions, federal and state governments could generate tens of billions of dollars yearly.’
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Additionally, Adams implored President Bola Tinubu to develop an action plan aimed at curbing the menace of oil theft throughout the nation. He emphasised the importance of holding those responsible for such criminal activities accountable and ensuring their prosecution to the fullest extent of the law.
‘The substantial amount that has been lost through oil theft should be curbed. The Federal Government can achieve this by establishing a special tribunal on oil theft and prosecuting individuals perpetrating economic sabotage,’ Adams added.
The responsibility of addressing the concerns raised by Gani Adams is paramount for Nigeria’s growth. It now rests on the shoulders of President Bola Tinubu’s government to carefully consider these appeals, devise appropriate strategies, and effectively implement them to tackle the challenge at hand.