The Federal Government has declared its unwavering commitment to implementing decisive measures against individuals involved in illegal mining nationwide, deeming it a serious crime that cannot be overlooked.
This information came to light during a gathering with licensed mineral holders, laterite, and sand operators in Kaduna State, held within the city to tackle the issues plaguing the mining sector.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, conveyed through the acting Zonal Mines Officer, Mr. Kutman Ali, the vital importance of strictly adhering to proper licensing procedures.
The minister urged the mining operators to obtain a permit after securing their mining license, stating, “permit to mobilize to site is a letter that will introduce you to the state and local governments as well as communities through their traditional ruler, making mining activities smoother.”
Bringing attention to financial responsibilities, Alake disclosed that miners and operators nationwide carry a collective debt surpassing N2 trillion to the Federal Government, with Kaduna State standing out, accumulating a debt exceeding N300 billion.
Advocating for financial responsibility, he encouraged operators in the state to ensure swift settlement of their outstanding debts.
Alake said that the meeting was to outline the minister’s plans for the mining sector in 2024 and beyond.
He emphasised the revitalization of the Special Mines Surveillance Taskforce (SMSTF) to combat illegal mining and ensure timely payment of royalties and taxes.
The minister provided a comprehensive breakdown of the SMSTF, highlighting its diverse composition with members drawn from the Nigerian Army, Police, Civil Defence Corps, DSS, EFCC, and the Nigeria Immigration Service, while Mines Officers assume leadership roles at the state level.
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Alake clarified that neither state nor local governments were authorized to collect royalties or taxes on mining activities, advising that any grievances should be promptly reported to the nearest mines office for appropriate action.
In his reply, Mr. Ado Dogo, Chairman of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Kaduna State branch, commended the need for better communication between miners and regulators, underscoring the importance of addressing the prevalent challenges.
Expressing dissatisfaction, Dogo lamented interferences by certain state governors in mining activities and sought the minister’s intervention to ensure strict adherence to constitutional jurisdictions.
Mr. Tanimu Abubakar, the former General Manager of the Kaduna State Public Works Agency, expressed concerns about the overlapping tax collections by federal and state governments. He proposed a ground rent waiver as a means to allure more investors to the sector.