SENATOR FADAHUNSI URGED THE MINING SECTOR TO CURTAIL ILLEGAL MINING
The activities of illegal miners in the country has been discussed by the minister of solid mineral resources
A member of the committee, Senator Francis Fadahunsi (PDP Osun East) has told the minister of solid mineral resources to buckle up and tackle the menace of illegal mining in the country which has been robbing the country of billions of naira every year.
He explained why a N7.3billion revenue projections from the sector isn't impressive against the backdrop of illegal mining happening in the sector with reckless abandonment.
In his word; “Your ministry needs to rise up to the challenge of tackling the menace of illegal mining which is robbing the country nothing less than N100billion on a yearly basis.
“What is expected of your ministry and various agencies under it as IGR on yearly basis is nothing short of N100billion. He urged the ministry to liaise with the Ministry of Interior to curtail influx of illegal immigrants, particularly Chinese who have taken over the gold mines across the country even with security backup from military and Police,” he said.
Other members of the committee like Senators Adelere Oriolowo (APC Osun West), Emmanuel Orker-Jev (PDP Benue North West) etc, also tasked the minister to rise up to the challenge of insecurity and economic sabotage in the sector.
But the minister in his response, said solution for illegal mining in the country lies on required laws and punishment against it which according to him, should come by way of legislation from the National Assembly.
“Required potent laws are needed to confront the menace of illegal mining in the sector in form of capital punishment against offenders as earlier proposed before this committee few weeks back .
“We are already collaborating with the Office of the Minister of Justice for a bill to that effect,” he said.
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