The National President, National Artisanal and Small Scale Mining Cooperative Society, Alhaji Abdullahi Dantasidi, has declared support for the 30 day’s deadline issued by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development to illegal miners in the country.

This is contained in an open letter signed by Dantasidi and addressed to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr. Dele Alake.

The Minister had recently issued a 30-day deadline to illegal miners in the country to join miners’ cooperatives or face the full wrath of the law.

Dantasidi who expressed wholehearted support for the decision said it will go a long way in combating illegal mining activities on the country.

“Illegal mining not only poses a significant threat to our nation’s environment and natural resources but also undermines the livelihoods of countless indigenous miners who abide by the regulatory framework.

“Your resolute stance in this matter sends a powerful message that the rule of law will be upheld and that only responsible mining practices would be encouraged”, he said.

He said that as critical stakeholders in the mining sector, artisanal miners believed that the Minister’s decision was a step in the right direction in actualizing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s goals in the mining sector for the overall development of Nigeria.

“This initiative has the potential to revolutionize the mining sector, fostering cooperation, knowledge sharing and sustainable mining practices”, he added.

He however urged the Minister to embrace a collaborative approach by working closely with the leadership of artisanal miners in the country to bridge the gap between government officials in the cities and local artisanal miners in the forests so as to get unregistered or illegal miners yet to join a cooperative to do so before the expiration of the 30 days’ deadline.

“We are committed to supporting your efforts in any way possible. Whether through advocacy, resource mobilization or capacity-building programs, we stand ready to collaborate closely with your ministry to realize the full potential of this initiative”, he said.

Dantasidi then commended the Minister’s dedication and visionary leadership in steering Nigeria’s mining sector towards a sustainable and prosperous future.

“We are confident that, under your guidance, our nation’s natural resources will be harnessed responsibly for the benefit of all citizens.

“Once again, please accept our heartfelt support for your 30-day ultimatum and the establishment of miner cooperative societies. We look forward to witnessing the positive impact of these measures on our country’s mining sector”, he added.