ILLEGAL MINING: AN ENDEMIC ECONOMIC CRIME THAT IS CAUSING HAEMORRHAGE TO OYO STATE GOVERNMENT’S REVENUE
Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration has taken solid mineral development as one of its key areas of interest, with the sole aim of boosting the state economy and create shared prosperity for all.
In keeping with the provisions of the roadmap to sustainable development, The Director-General Minerals Development Agency, Hon. Abiodun Oni has also been complimenting the effort of the Governor.
There is relentless efforts in search of genuine international investors to help transform the mining sector into a strategic catalyst for growth in terms of job creation and increased revenue.
He has also engaged the leadership of the third tier of government; the local government chairmen, and other critical stakeholders in the sector.
It’s not a gainsaying that Oyo state is enormously endowed with mineral deposits and the resources available in the 33 Local Government Areas of the state are enough for further economic prosperity if properly harnessed.
The mining industry contributes substantially to the economic growth and development of various nations around the world even more than farming.
The excavation of minerals can be used in economic diversification and complementing the revenues generated from oil, and providing jobs to teeming citizens.
It has become, however, more apparent that there are some people who are hell-bent in frustrating the effort of the government.
These people have been enriching themselves in a corrupt way with the minerals resources the state is blessed with. These illegal miners – those mining without any genuine mining licenses or registered with the government.
These illegal miners are defrauding the state, and are allegedly guilty of tax evasion, failure to carry out their corporate social responsibility to the host communities.
Beyond the economic leakages, these illegal miners are also polluting the environment.
There is excessive and unchecked soil, water, and air pollution. Combating the illegal mining in Oyo State is not just an economic necessity; it is a vital step towards economic prosperity, job creation, and the state ability to compete globally.
This fight against illegal mining is not only the work of the government, it requires the support of every individual for it to succeed. It is important to stop the stealing and irregularities going on with our collective common wealth by some unscrupulous individual. The illegal activities has become an endemic economic crime, causing haemorrhage to government’s revenue.
If Oyo state will thrive in the exploration of mineral resources, we all must support the government making sure mining is done legally and in best practice that is environmentally-friendly.
– Adesina Julius write from Igbeti, Olorunsogo Local Government.
