Kwara state government says it will collaborate with the state Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in the fight against illegal mining across the state.
Permanent Secretary, solid minerals, of the state Ministry of Solid Minerals Development , Mr. Okanlawon Olarewaju stated this when he led the management staff of the ministry on a courtesy call on Ilorin Zonal Commander of the EFCC, Michael Nzekwe.
He urged the anti graft agency not to be deterred by the antics of some corrupt individuals who are benefiting from the illegal operations.
Mr Okanlawon said that the state government was solidly behind the commission in its efforts to rid the state of illegal miners who are operating at different locations.
He expressed concern over lack of development at the site where the Chinese has a company at Olayinka,in Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state State.
The Permanent Secretary explained that there are about two hundred and thirty mining operators in the State, adding that none of them had come forward to revalidate their license.
In his remark , the Ilorin Zonal Commander of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commisssion, Michael Nzekwe said, the Commisssion will ensure that the operators abide by the rules through payment of royalties to government as well as obey the local content law.
Nzekwe also hinted on plans by the Commission to set up a taskforce to tackle illegal mining operators across the sixteen local government areas of the state.
ALI MUHAMMAD RABIU
