The Nigerian Mining Geosciences Society (NMGS) has expressed deep concern regarding the adverse effects of understaffed mine offices on the proliferation of illegal mining activities in Nigeria. Professor Akinade Olatunji, the president of NMGS, conveyed this apprehension during a press conference held in Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom state, in commemoration of the 255th Council Meeting of the society.
To tackle this pressing issue, Prof. Olatunji underscored the vital importance of sufficient government funding for the mines offices, including the provision of qualified personnel and logistical support to effectively monitor and regulate illegal mining activities. Stressing the need for robust measures to combat this menace, he advocated for the adequate financing of all federal mines offices across the country, along with the provision of logistical vehicles to access remote areas where illicit mining operations are prevalent.
“Illegal mining predominantly occurs in remote, underdeveloped areas with limited or non-existent transportation infrastructure. Vigilant monitoring necessitates the deployment of qualified, motivated, and well-regulated personnel, as well as the provision of essential resources,” remarked Prof. Olatunji. He highlighted the inadequacy of staff and resources within the mines offices, identifying it as a significant obstacle in combating illegal mining.
In an effort to enhance the capacity of the mining inspectorate units, Prof. Olatunji advocated for an increase in the staff strength, equating their treatment to that of personnel within the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) with a distinctive salary scale. Underscoring the detrimental impact of illegal mining on national revenue, employment opportunities, and the environment, he reiterated the imperative of stringent measures to address this multifaceted challenge.
Furthermore, addressing misconceptions regarding the correlation between borehole drilling and seismic events, Prof. Olatunji dispelled the misconception that borehole drilling causes earthquakes. He asserted that scientific evidence refutes any purported relationship between borehole drilling and seismic activity, alleviating concerns related to this aspect of mining operations.
The NMGS’s call for the revitalization of mine offices and the reinforcement of regulatory frameworks emphasizes the need for proactive interventions to combat illicit mining activities in Nigeria. In line with their recommendations, it is the responsibility of the government to strengthen the mining inspectorate units, facilitate adequate staffing and resource allocation, and enact stringent measures to deter illegal mining, safeguard national resources, and preserve the ecological equilibrium.
The perspectives articulated by the NMGS provide valuable insight for the public and policymakers regarding the profound repercussions of illegal mining and serve as a rallying call for decisive action to mitigate this growing predicament. It is crucial for stakeholders to heed the guidance of authoritative bodies such as the NMGS to bring about transformative reforms, promote sustainable mining practices, and safeguard the collective welfare of the nation.