Coal miners hail Tinubu, Kogi govt on fight against illegal mining

A group under the aegis of Licensed and legal Coal Miners in Kogi has expressed support for the Federal Government’s quest to tackle illegal mining.

The group, in a statement, hailed President Bola Tinubu, Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, and the Minster of Solid Mineral Development, Mr. Dele Alake for leaving no stone unturned to stop the menace of illegal mining with its negative impact on the economy and security of the country.

The statement partly reads, “We the Licensed and legal Coal Miners in Kogi State hereby issue this press statement to express our support for and earnest appreciation to the President of The Federal Government of Nigeria, His Excellency, Alhaji Bola Ahmed Tinubu, The Minster of Solid Mineral Development, Mr. Dele Alake, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello and the above named Security Agencies, especially the State Security Services, Kogi State Command which is coordinating the operation for taking up the fight against economic saboteurs who have the tendency to breed terrorism for leaving no stone unturned to stop the menace of illegal mining with its negative impact on the economy and security of the country.

“We sincerely hope that the fight will be sustained to the full eradication of illegal mining activities not only in the coal mining sector but in all aspects of mining in Nigeria.

“We implore other state governments and security agencies to also take up the fight against illegal mining and economic sabotage in the best interest of the economy and security of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

The statement was signed by the Chairman of Etazuma Mining & Industry Limited, Dr Innocent Ezuma; Managing Director, Koyla Energy Limited, Partha Ghosh and the Managing Director of Mosra Energy Limited, Dr Ramos.

The group added that between 18 December 18, 2023 and January 7, 2024, a total of twenty-one trucks loaded with coal, amounting to Nine hundred and forty-five tons, being product of illegal mining were impounded.

“Following the announcement by the Minister of Solid mineral Development, Mr. Dele Alake of a ban on illegal mining activities by the Federal Government. On 18 December 2023, Kogi State Government sprang into action with a corresponding enforcement action by setting up a Joint Taskforce comprising Police, NSCDC, The State Security Service, Federal Mines Office, Kogi State, State Ministry of Solid Minerals and natural Resources and Kogi State Vigilante Service.

“Subsequently, on January 18, 2024, the Federal High Court presided over by Hon. Justice Abdul DOGO granted an interim forfeiture Order for the Nine hundred and forty-five tons of coal to Federal Government of Nigeria,” the statement added.