The Nigerian Mining Geosciences Society (NMGS) has issued a formal appeal to the Federal Government, emphasizing the critical importance of adequate funding for mines offices in addressing the widespread issue of illegal mining activities. This plea was articulated by the President of NMGS, Prof. Akinade Olatunji, during a press conference convened to mark the 255th council meeting of the society in Uyo.
Prof. Olatunji underscored the necessity of recruiting qualified staff at mines offices, highlighting their pivotal role in ensuring proficient service delivery. He drew attention to the severe environmental degradation and numerous fatalities in various parts of the country, directly attributed to illegal mining, thereby making it imperative to effectively address this issue.
An essential point raised by the NMGS President was the provision of logistic vehicles for federal mines offices, crucial for enhancing their operational efficiency. He pointed out that the lack of funding and inadequate facilities have detrimentally impacted the overall functioning of these offices. Prof. Olatunji also stressed the fact that illegal mining takes place in remote areas with poor infrastructure, necessitating the equipping of mines offices with the requisite resources and personnel to effectively combat this issue.
Prof. Olatunji emphatically stressed the critical importance of ensuring the full functionality of mines offices if the government is genuinely committed to curbing illegal mining activities. He called for an end to the lip service that has been rendered to this pressing issue, underscoring the unproductive nature of illegal mining activities and the necessity for decisive action in addressing them.
It is abundantly clear that the NMGS is taking a resolute stance against illegal mining, with a clear and unwavering message to the government: the time to act is now. The pressing need for proper funding of mines offices cannot be overstated, and it is imperative that swift and decisive measures are taken to address this issue effectively.
Source: NAN / Foluke Ibitomi