From Esther Akaa, Lafia
Stakeholders in the mining sector has urged the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr Dele Alake to collaborate with stakeholders in the mining sector towards ending illegal mining in the country.
This was contained in an open letter signed by the President, National Artisanal and Small Scale Mining Cooperative Society, Alhaji Abdullahi Dantasidi, addressed to Mr Alake and made available to journalists in Nasarawa state on Thursday.
Dantasidi, who declared support for the minister’s 30-day deadline to illegal miners in the country to join miners cooperatives or face the full wrath of the law, called on him to to embrace a collaborative approach by working closely with the leadership of artisanal miners in the country address the menace.
“Illegal mining not only poses a significant threat to our nation’s environment and natural resources but also undermines the livelihoods of countless indigenous miners who abide by the regulatory framework.
“Your resolute stance in this matter sends a powerful message that the rule of law will be upheld and that only responsible mining practices will be encouraged,” he said.
He said as critical stakeholders in the mining sector, artisanal miners believe that the Minister’s decision is a step in the right direction in actualising President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s goals in the mining sector for the overall development of Nigeria.
“We are confident that, under your guidance, our nation’s natural resources will be harnessed responsibly for the benefit of all citizens.
“Once again, please accept our heartfelt support for your 30-day ultimatum and the establishment of miner cooperative societies. We look forward to witnessing the positive impact of these measures on our country’s mining sector,” he added.
He, therefore commended the Minister’s dedication and visionary leadership in steering Nigeria’s mining sector towards a sustainable and prosperous future.
The Voice reports that Mr Alake recently issued a 30- day deadline to illegal miners in the country to join miners cooperatives or face the full wrath of the law.
