Kwara moves to curb bandit influx through mining activities

With Kwara State identified as a potential solid minerals-producing area, the government has developed strategies to curb the influx of bandits through mining activities.

The State Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development, Chief Abosede Olaitan Buraimoh, disclosed this at the third quarterly inter-ministerial press briefing in Ilorin on Tuesday.

She said a sensitisation campaign aimed at educating and empowering traditional rulers to properly profile investors in mining within their domains will be launched as part of efforts to check the possible influx of bandits, in line with existing laws.

Abosede added that the sensitisation campaign will also be extended to stakeholders to highlight the dangers of illegal and artisanal mining across the state.

According to her: “The sensitisation campaign will empower traditional rulers to properly profile investors in mining activities within their domains to curb the possible influx of banditry, in line with existing laws.”

She noted that Kwara has been identified as one of the leading solid mineral-producing states in Nigeria and assured that the ministry will maximise the sector’s potential for the benefit of the people.

The commissioner added that the ministry is partnering with the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority to educate miners on safe mining practices and mitigate the effects of radioactive emissions on mining sites.

Buraimoh further revealed that the ministry has strengthened its collaboration with the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service, which has improved revenue generation from haulage consultants.

According to her, the state government is also working on legislation to compel mining companies to reclaim degraded lands for agricultural use after their operations.

She disclosed that Kwara has completed the registration of five special purpose vehicles and is now on the verge of obtaining mining licences for them, in a move aimed at enhancing investment opportunities and boosting internally generated revenue for the state.