The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals and the Ankpa Traditional Council have forged a strategic partnership to combat illegal coal mining and promote responsible mineral exploitation in Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The resolution was reached during a courtesy visit by the National 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.
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, urged residents to support legitimate mining operations by working only with duly licensed mining companies.
He encouraged host communities to report any licensed mining operator that failed to honour its Community Development Agreement (CDA), assured them that such complaints would be promptly addressed by the relevant authorities.
Onoja noted that Ankpa’s abundant coal deposits and other mineral resources should drive economic growth rather than contribute to environmental degradation, insecurity and avoidable loss of lives.
“The mineral resources with which Ankpa has been blessed should not become a curse to the people. Following our engagement with the traditional council, anyone who continues to engage in illegal mining will be sanctioned in accordance with the provisions of the law,” he said.
Expressing concern over the rising number of deaths linked to unregulated mining activities, the Mining Marshals commander warned that unsafe mining practices would no longer be tolerated, stressing that enforcement efforts would be intensified to protect lives and sanitise the mining sector.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Mining Marshals to enforcing the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act while strengthening collaboration with traditional institutions and host communities to eradicate illegal mining nationwide.
In his response, the Ejeh of Ankpa commended the Minister of Solid Minerals Development and the NSCDC Commandant General for responding swiftly to the community’s concerns over illegal mining.
The monarch pledged the full support of the Ankpa Traditional Council in advancing safe and lawful mining, describing a well-regulated mining sector as a catalyst for job creation, environmental protection and sustainable development.
He declared zero tolerance for illegal mining and assured the Federal Government that the traditional institution would work closely with the Mining Marshals and other relevant authorities to ensure that all mining activities in Ankpa comply with existing laws.
Both parties concluded the meeting by reaffirming their commitment to sustained collaboration aimed at eliminating illegal mining, protecting host communities and ensuring that Ankpa’s mineral resources contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of Kogi State and Nigeria.
