The Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development in Kwara State, Afees Alabi, has advocated for a partnership with the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to tackle the issue of illegal mining within the state.
During a courtesy visit to the Kwara State Commandant of the NSCDC, Commandant Umar Mohammed, at the state command headquarters in Ilorin, the newly appointed Commissioner emphasised the urgent need to address the challenges posed by illegal mining activities.
Alabi highlighted the detrimental effects of illegal mining on the mining sector, particularly the unauthorised extraction of the nation’s mineral resources. He stated the ministry’s dedication to leveraging the services of the NSCDC to combat illegal mining and protect the state’s mineral wealth.
The Commissioner stressed the importance of ensuring security in host communities and across the state to facilitate the beneficial exploitation of the mining sector, ultimately leading to increased revenue generation and economic prosperity for the citizens.
Commending the NSCDC, Kwara Command, for their past efforts in combating illegal mining, Alabi expressed gratitude for their relentless dedication.
In his remarks, the Director of Solid Minerals, Mr. Kunle Adimula, appealed for the full cooperation and support of the NSCDC in safeguarding the state’s mining sites and enhancing revenue generation for development purposes.
In response, the NSCDC Kwara State Commandant, Umar Mohammed, extended congratulations to the Commissioner on his recent appointment and welcomed the proposed collaboration. Mohammed assured of the corp’s commitment to working closely with the Ministry to eradicate illegal mining activities and ensure the security of the state’s resources, thereby revitalising the mining sector.