FG, Enugu State To Establish Mineral Resources Environmental Committee

To monitor mining companies’ compliance with environmental standards, the Federal and Enugu State Governments have agreed to set up the State’s Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee.

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Oladele Alake stated this in Abuja when he hosted the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah.

Dr. Alake explained that the move would also intensify collaboration to enhance the development of the mining sector in the coal-rich State.

“Now that we have our own independence of thought and action, Enugu is the way to go. We are collaborating with Enugu and other states to ensure that the benefits accruable from the solid minerals sector are available to all Nigerians,” Alake stated.

Earlier, the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah stressed that his administration is committed to harnessing the State’s vast mineral resources.

Governor Mbah called for more public private sector collaboration in developing the nation’s mining Industry.

The governor who thanked the Minister for his decision to accelerate the state’s plan to set up MIREMCO to address the menace of illegal mining, lauded Dr. Alake for his support in expediting the process.

“The minute the Minister received my application on setting up MIREMCO, he immediately called the relevant officer and mandated him to ensure the process for the establishment of the committee is fast-tracked” the Governor stated.

“We believe that with the setting up of MIREMCO in Enugu, we will be able to curb the activities of illegal miners and those racketeering licenses,” Gov. Mbah said.

Few weeks ago the Minister met with Governors under the auspices of the
Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) where he sued for cooperation to enhance the development of the mining sector.

This visit by Gov. Peter Mbah was in furtherance of engagements to bolster partnership to foster a conducive environment for mining operations across the country.

By Georgina Humphrey, Edited By Grace Namiji