Illegal Miners Given 30-Day Deadline to Register: What You Need to Know
The federal government of Nigeria has announced an extension of 30 days for illegal miners to join cooperatives and formalize their operations. Dr. Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals, has emphasized that this extension aims to provide illegal miners with the opportunity to legalize their activities by joining existing artisanal cooperatives, rather than punish them.
During a news briefing on the Nigeria Mining Week, Dr. Alake stressed the importance of formalizing illegal mining operations, stating that it will benefit not only the miners but also the host communities and the environment. He warned that after the extended 30-day period, there will be no leniency for those who continue to operate outside the regulations.
The Nigeria Mining Week, set to take place in 2023, is a crucial event for showcasing the potential of the country’s mining sector. Dr. Alake sees this as an opportunity for collaboration between public and private sectors, civil society, and international partners to further develop the mining industry.
Mary Ogbe, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Solid Minerals, highlighted that the Nigeria Mining Week will cover various topics including regulatory frameworks, technological innovations, social responsibility, and environmental conservation. This event aims to bring together stakeholders and agencies to brainstorm ideas and policies that can lead to job creation and wealth generation in line with the government’s agenda.
The Nigeria Mining Week is a collaborative effort between the VUKA Group, PricewaterCoopers, Miners Association of Nigeria, and the Ministry of Solid Minerals, and has been successful in attracting both local and foreign investments to the mining sector in Nigeria.
In conclusion, the government is extending the deadline for illegal miners to join cooperatives in order to formalize their operations and contribute to the overall development of the mining sector. The Nigeria Mining Week is a key event that brings together stakeholders to drive the growth and sustainability of the mining industry in Nigeria.
It is imperative for illegal miners to take advantage of this extension and make efforts to comply with the regulations in order to prevent any punitive measures. By formalizing their operations, they can benefit not only themselves but also the communities and the environment. We look forward to seeing the positive impact of this initiative on the mining sector in Nigeria.
