The Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Akwa Ibom State Command, Mr Eluyemi Eluwade, has warned miners against illegal mining in the state.
Eluwade gave the warning during his interaction with stakeholders in the mining sector in the state yesterday in Uyo.
He said the warning became imperative because their activities would be seen as sabotage and as such anyone caught would be treated as economic saboteur to the nation.
The commandant said that mining was in the Exclusive List and that only the Federal Government had the right to issue mining license to mine any mineral in the country. “Mineral resources are under the Exclusive Legislative List, as such, they belong to the Federal Government; so also is mining license to mine any mineral.
“The revenue from mining of mineral resources finds its way to states as well through the 13 per cent derivation principle.
“Government expects anyone carrying out mining activity anywhere in the country to obtain a mining licence.’’
Eluwade noted that his tour of mining site in the state revealed that illegal mining had degraded the environment completely.
“The scar on the Environment as a result of mining is scary. It will be worse if we do nothing about it, hence, the reason we are here to sensitise and talk to ourselves.
“You will be availed of pictures and video of a borrow pit I visited this week somewhere in Uruan. You will see why we all have to join hands to ensure that we insist that the right thing should be done.
“So, all holders of license, foreigners, Nigerians, individuals, companies etc. are henceforth notified that they are required to reclaim the environment from which they have excavated from.
“It is not enough to hold a license, the license also demands reclamation of excavated land on expiry of excavation,” he said.
In his remarks, the State Chairman of Miners Association of Nigeria, Mr Iyakise Udofia, said that the association advocated for responsible and sustainable practice in the state.
Udofia said that the association condemned all forms of illegal mining in the state, as it caused environmental degradation, safety hazards and economic losses.
He urged governments to take decisive action against illegal miners in the state to checkmate their activities in the state.
“We believe that through collaboration, we can combat illegal mining effectively. We are ready to work with government, communities and other stakeholders to implement effective solutions.
“This include; creating awareness, promoting responsible practice and fostering economic opportunities that discourage illegal activities,” Udofia said.