The Ogun State government has announced stringent measures against illegal miners and dredgers, stating that violators will face severe penalties.
This declaration was made during a stakeholders meeting held in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, by the Commissioner for Industry, Trade, and Investment, Adebola Sofela, who was represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olu. Ola. Aikulola.
Sofela highlighted the detrimental impact of irresponsible mining and dredging on the community and state infrastructure, warning operators with expired documents to comply with regulations. “Mining is a win-win thing if done responsibly, but destructive and disruptive when it is irresponsibly carried out, given the monumental financial effects it has on government and the community at large,” Sofela stated.
The commissioner urged stakeholders to recognize the significance of mining and dredging sectors for revenue generation, while warning that the government would no longer tolerate illegal activities. “The note of warning I am giving today indicates that it will not be business as usual going forward. If you get arrested for illegal mining and dredging, you will face the full wrath of the law,” he emphasized.
In response, stakeholder Ebenezer Aina expressed support for the government’s directive, praising the efforts to enforce standard practices in mining and dredging operations.
