By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
Kogi State Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Engr. Abubakar Mohammed Bashir on Tuesday in Lokoja vowed to deal with illegal mining companies in the state.
Engr. Bashir Gegu who gave the warning while on a routine check as part of the Ministry’s obligations to minimize illegal mining activities in the State requested Mining Companies operating in Kogi State to present their license and other documents, granting them permit from the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development.
Aside the presentation of license and other relevant documents, the commissioner stressed the need for the Companies to collaborate with the State through payment of haulage as statutory responsibility of such Companies to enable the State generate its revenue.
“By the time they tender the necessary documents and we find out that their activities is legal, there will be need to collaborate with the State government through payment of haulage to enable the State generate it’s revenue from the sector”
Engr. Bashir Gegu, therefore assured the Companies of enabling environment if they obey all protocols, stressing that the Governor Yahaya Bello-led Administration was always ready to ensure the growth of the sector.
He advised other Mining Companies that are yet to collaborate with the State to as a matter urgency do the needful to avoid embarrassment.
Engr. Bashir Gegu said the Ministry will continue to beam its searchlight on all nooks and crannies of the State to checkmate the activities of all miners for proper documentation and revenue generation.
