The Benue Government has halted all mining operations in the state pending the compilation of miners’ data.
Governor Hyacinth Alia issued the directive during a meeting with members of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Benue Chapter, in Makurdi.
He instructed the Mineral Resources and Environment Management Committee (MIREMCO) to promptly commence the process of documenting data for all miners operating in the state.
The decision to undertake this revalidation exercise stemmed from reports of security concerns. Governor Alia expressed dismay over the contamination of water sources in affected areas, particularly in Kwande.
He urged security agencies and the joint task force on illegal mining to ensure compliance with regulations to safeguard the well-being of residents and boost Internally Generated Revenue.
“The state government will not tolerate any illegality. It is our administration’s prerogative to protect the lives and property of the people,” he said.
Additionally, the Commissioner for Justice and Public Order, Mr. Fidelis Mnyim, emphasized that Governor Alia’s stance was not against mining per se but aimed at curbing illegal mining activities.
Mnyim, who also serves as the chairman of MIREMCO, revealed that the state has developed a checklist to assess the mining sector in Benue.
John Tersugh, the Chairman of the Nigeria Miners Association in Benue, pledged cooperation with the governor to streamline the mining industry.
Furthermore, Simon Ogwu, the mining officer from the Federal Ministry of Mining and Solid Minerals, assured his commitment to supporting the state government in the efforts to regulate the mining sector in Benue.
Two miners, Benjamin Nyior and Dennis Tarhemba, advocated for a favorable working environment that would facilitate their operations efficiently.
According to NAN, certain members of the association urged the governor to tackle the problem of excessive taxation in the sector and furnish essential mining equipment to aid them in the field, thereby enhancing the state’s revenue.