NSCDC Mining Marshals, Ankpa Traditional Council Partner to Tackle Illegal Coal Mining in Kogi
NSCDC Mining Marshals, Ankpa Traditional Council Partner to Tackle Illegal Coal Mining in Kogi
NSCDC Mining Marshals, Ankpa Traditional Council Partner to Tackle Illegal Coal Mining in Kogi
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals have forged a strategic partnership with the Ankpa Traditional Council to combat illegal coal mining and promote lawful, safe and sustainable mineral exploitation in Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The partnership was reached during a courtesy visit by the Commander of the NSCDC Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) John Onoja Attah, to the palace of the Ejeh of Ankpa and Chairman of the Ankpa Traditional Council, His Royal Highness Alhaji Abubakar Yakubu Ahmed.
Speaking during the visit, ACC Onoja conveyed the goodwill of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, and the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, urging residents to embrace legitimate mining by working only with licensed mining companies operating within the provisions of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act.
He encouraged host communities to report any licensed mining company that fails to honour its Community Development Agreement (CDA), assuring them that such complaints would receive prompt attention from the appropriate authorities.
According to him, Ankpa’s abundant coal deposits and other mineral resources should serve as catalysts for economic growth and development rather than contribute to environmental degradation, insecurity and the loss of lives through illegal mining.
“The mineral wealth of Ankpa should be a blessing to the people and not a source of hardship. Following our engagement with the traditional council, anyone found engaging in illegal mining will face sanctions in accordance with the law,” Onoja said.
He expressed concern over the increasing fatalities associated with unsafe and unregulated mining activities, stressing that the Mining Marshals would intensify enforcement operations to protect lives and curb illegal mining across the area.
The Commander reaffirmed the commitment of the Mining Marshals to sanitising Nigeria’s mining sector through sustained enforcement of mining regulations while strengthening collaboration with traditional institutions, host communities and other stakeholders.
In his response, the Ejeh of Ankpa commended the Minister of Solid Minerals Development and the NSCDC Commandant General for responding to the concerns of communities affected by illegal mining activities.
The monarch pledged the full support of the Ankpa Traditional Council in promoting safe and responsible mining, noting that a properly regulated mining sector would create employment opportunities, improve livelihoods and protect the environment.
He also declared zero tolerance for illegal and unregulated mining, assuring the Federal Government that the traditional institution would continue to work closely with the NSCDC Mining Marshals and other relevant authorities to ensure that mining activities in Ankpa are carried out in compliance with existing laws.
The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to sustained collaboration aimed at eliminating illegal mining, safeguarding host communities and ensuring that Ankpa’s mineral resources contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of Kogi State and Nigeria.
NSCDC Mining Marshals, Ankpa Traditional Council Partner to Tackle Illegal Coal Mining in Kogi
