The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, under the Lagos State Government (LASG), has committed to implementing and enforcing laws targeting illegal mining and dredging. Offenders will face prosecution within the state.
In a statement on Friday, Abiola Olowu, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Energy and Mineral Resources (Office of Mineral Resources), assured that the ministry had initiated a visitation exercise across the state.
Olowu stated, “As part of the drive to curb illegality in the solid minerals, mining sectors, toll fee, and revenue points, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Office of Mineral Resources has commenced a scheduled visitation exercise to all the dredging, mining, toll and revenue points across the five divisions of Lagos State.
“The exercise which commenced on Monday, January 8, 2024, was targeted at curbing illegalities in the solid minerals and mining sectors across the state to a minimal level. The Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led administration will begin enforcement of all relevant laws guiding mining and dredging activities in the state.
“Anyone caught violating the set rules, laws, and guidelines of the dredging and mining in the state will be prosecuted. Therefore, we urge all the dredgers and miners across the state to go obtain all necessary permits and regularise their operations with the Office of Mineral Resources.”
This instruction followed an explosion in Ibadan on Tuesday, attributed to the actions of illegal miners. According to reports, the incident resulted in the loss of at least four lives.