Coal Miners Extol FG’s Fight to Curb Illegal Mining in Kogi State
The Licensed and Legal Coal Miners in Kogi State has lauded the Ministry of Solid Mineral Development for its fight against illegal mining in the country.
In a statement, the coal miners commended the Minister of Solid Mineral Development, Mr. Dele Alake, for taking up the fight against economic saboteurs who have the tendency to breed terrorism, saying the nefarious activities of these individuals have negative impact on the economy and the security of the nation.
“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,” the statement read.
The statement said that following the announcement by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, in December 2023 to restate the ban on illegal mining activities by the federal government, the Kogi State Government on 18 December 2023 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 (KSVS) to impound a total of 21 trucks loaded with coal amounting to 945 tonnes being product of illegal mining
“Consequently, on 8 January 2024, an application was filed before the Federal High Court,
Lokoja seeking an Order of forfeiture of the Nine hundred and forty-five (945) tonnes of coal to the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development. Subsequently, on 18 January 2024, the Federal High Court presided over by Hon. Justice Abdul DOGO granted an interim forfeiture order for the 945 tonnes of coal to the Federal Government of Nigeria,” they said.
According to them, the Court directed that, the Notice of Order be pasted in public places including Federal High Court, State High Court and various mining sites in Ankpa LGA, where the products were impounded for any interested person to show cause why the Order should not be made absolute/final.