By Oluyinka Oluwuyi
The Federal Government has inaugurated over 2,500 mining marshals to be deployed to mining sites across the country to combat illegal miners in the country.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake made this known at the Nigeria Gemstones and Jewelry Expo at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Oyo State.
Dr Alake, represented by the Zonal Mines Officer, South-West, Mr Gbenga Ajayi, described the activities of illegal miners as a bane of the nation’s development.
The Minister, however, said the federal government was ready to harness the potential in the sector for economic development.
In a keynote address, the South-West representative of Nigeria Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative, NEITI, Mr Taiwo Olasupo explained that the federal government was working round the clock to resuscitate and rejuvenate the solid minerals industry and urged stakeholders in the sector to support the government’s efforts for economy diversification from oil and gas to mining.
In a remark, the Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Oyo State Command, Mr Augustine Padonu represented by his assistant, Mr Emmanuel Aluko explained that the command was ensuring the protection of mining sites and infrastructure from sabotage and theft.
Earlier in an address of welcome, President, Gemstones Miners and Marketers Association of Nigeria, Mr Adeniran Ajibade said this year’s expo is aimed at addressing the pros and cons in the mining sector.
The theme of the event is maximizing Nigeria’s rich and remarkable gem, strengthening the value chain from mining to market for economic advancement.
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