The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals and the Ankpa Traditional Council have agreed to strengthen collaboration to curb illegal coal mining and promote responsible mineral development in Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State.

The agreement 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, Alhaji Abubakar Yakubu Ahmed.

During the visit, Onoja conveyed the goodwill of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, and the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, urging residents to engage only with mining companies licensed by the Federal Government.

He advised host communities to report any licensed operator that fails to fulfil the obligations contained in its Community Development Agreement (CDA), assuring them that such complaints would receive prompt attention from the relevant authorities.

According to him, Ankpa’s abundant coal deposits and other mineral resources should serve as catalysts for economic development 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.

Onoja expressed concern over the increasing number of fatalities linked to unregulated mining activities, stressing that the Mining Marshals would intensify enforcement against unsafe mining practices that put lives at risk.

He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to sanitising the mining sector through sustained implementation of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, while strengthening partnerships with traditional institutions and host communities.

Responding, the Ejeh of Ankpa commended the Minister of Solid Minerals Development and the NSCDC leadership for responding to concerns over illegal mining in the area.

The monarch pledged the full support of the Ankpa Traditional Council for efforts to promote what he described as safe and lawful mining, noting that a properly regulated mining industry could create employment opportunities for young people while protecting lives and the environment.

He also declared zero tolerance for illegal mining activities and assured the Federal Government that the traditional institution would work closely with the Mining Marshals and other relevant agencies to ensure compliance with mining regulations.

Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to sustained collaboration aimed at eliminating illegal mining, protecting host communities and ensuring that the mineral resources in Ankpa contribute to the socio-economic development of Kogi State and Nigeria.