Combatting Illegal Mining: A Call for Collaboration Between Kwara State and NSCDC
The recent visit of the Kwara State Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development, Afees Alabi, to the Kwara State Commandant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Commandant Umar Mohammed, was aimed at addressing the ongoing issue of illegal mining in the state. During the meeting, Alabi emphasized the challenges faced by the mining sector, particularly the growing problem of illegal mining and unauthorized removal of the nation’s mineral resources.
Alabi emphasized the Ministry’s dedication to collaborating closely with the NSCDC to eradicate illegal mining activities through a renewed and coordinated effort to prevent the unlawful exploitation of the nation’s mineral wealth. He highlighted the essential nature of this partnership to safeguard the host communities and the entire state from criminal elements, as well as to ensure that the state benefits from the mining sector, including significant revenue generation for the economic prosperity of its citizens.
Mr. Kunle Adimula, the Director of Solid Minerals, also stressed the importance of full cooperation and support from the NSCDC in securing the state’s mining sites and enabling substantial revenue generation for the state’s development.
In response, the NSCDC Kwara State Commandant, Umar Mohammed, congratulated the Commissioner on his recent appointment and assured him of the Command’s commitment to collaborating with the Ministry to combat illegal mining in the state and to protect the society as a whole from criminal elements who seek to exploit the state’s resources illegally.
The collaboration between the Kwara State Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and the NSCDC represents a crucial step towards addressing the persistent challenge of illegal mining and ensuring the sustainable and responsible utilization of the state’s mineral resources. It also underscores the significance of inter-agency cooperation in tackling complex issues that pose a threat to the state’s economic development and security.
As Kwara State continues to seek opportunities for growth and development, the partnership with the NSCDC in tackling illegal mining sends a clear message of the state’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and promoting the responsible exploitation of its natural resources.
The joint efforts between the Kwara State Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and the NSCDC serve as a model for proactive and strategic collaboration between government agencies in the fight against illegal activities that undermine the economic potential and security of the state.
By working together to combat illegal mining, Kwara State and the NSCDC are setting a positive example of effective inter-agency cooperation, which will undoubtedly yield significant benefits for the state’s sustainable development and prosperity.
