The Federal Government has launched over 2,500 mining marshals to target illegal mining across Nigeria.
– This announcement was made by Dr Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, at the Nigeria Gemstones and Jewelry Expo in Ibadan.
– His representative, Mr Gbenga Ajayi, highlighted illegal mining as detrimental to national development.
– Dr Alake emphasised the government’s commitment to unlocking the sector’s economic potential.
Mr Taiwo Olasupo from NEITI stated ongoing efforts to revitalise the solid minerals industry and urged cooperation from industry stakeholders to diversify the economy from oil and gas to mining.
Mr Augustine Padonu, Commandant of the NSCDC in Oyo State, reinforced their role in safeguarding mining locations from theft and vandalism.
The president of the Gemstones Miners and Marketers Association, Mr Adeniran Ajibade, indicated that the expo aims to explore the benefits and challenges within the mining sector.
The event’s theme focused on maximising Nigeria’s gemstone resources and strengthening the entire value chain for economic growth.