Get Guardian on GoogleThe Oyo State Government has intensified efforts to combat illegal mining and protect host communities by launching a Joint Task Force on Illegal Mining and enforcing Executive Order 001/2023, signalling a comprehensive crackdown on unauthorised mining activities and non-compliance with regulatory frameworks.
At separate events held at Babaaro, Igbeti, and Iseyin City Hall, Iseyin, government officials, traditional leaders, community representatives, and security agencies convened to reaffirm their collective commitment to responsible resource management and environmental protection.
Speaking during the inauguration of the State Joint Task Force on Illegal Mining, the Director-General of the Oyo State Mineral Development Agency (OYSMIDA), Abiodun Oni, stated that the state would no longer tolerate illegal mining activities.
He said, “The Joint Task Force has come to stay in Oyo State. Anyone found engaging in illegal mining will be held accountable and prosecuted. The law will take its full course.”
He lauded Governor Seyi Makinde for his visionary leadership and unwavering support in ensuring the security of Oyo residents and the protection of the state’s natural resources.
He also urged residents to report suspicious activities, saying, “If you see something, say something. We must all join hands to curb this menace.” As a sign of commitment, the government is providing amenities such as a borehole to serve the local community.
The General Manager of OYSMIDA, Mrs. Olufunke Omidiran, described the initiative as a strategic response to the growing threat of illegal mining, emphasising that the Task Force is well-equipped and tasked with promoting sustainable mining practices and environmental stewardship.
In his address, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Migrant and Homeland Security, retired ACG Segun Adegoke, highlighted the link between illegal mining and organised crime, including banditry and kidnapping.
He said, “This Joint Task Force includes all constitutionally recognised security agencies, including the Amotekun Corps.”
“Oyo State is tackling the problem head-on.”
Meanwhile, the state has begun strict enforcement of Executive Order 001/2023, which mandates mining stakeholders and host communities to comply with the signing of Consent Letters and Community Development Agreements (CDAs) as stipulated by the Nigerian Mining Act.
During a stakeholders’ meeting in Iseyin, Mr. Oni reaffirmed that the directive is designed to safeguard mining communities by clearly defining the responsibilities of all parties involved, with a particular emphasis on the role of traditional rulers.
He said, “Progress has been slow due to limited cooperation from some stakeholders, particularly traditional leaders. This enforcement meeting is to re-emphasise everyone’s roles and ensure no one claims ignorance of the process.”
Traditional rulers and Local Government officials unanimously appointed His Royal Majesty, the Olu of Igboora, Oba Jimoh Olajide Titiloye, and Hon. Kazeem Olayanju, Vice Chairman of ALGON and Chairman of Olorunsogo Local Government, as key figures in grassroots implementation.
Oba Titiloye expressed the traditional institutions’ readiness to support the government’s efforts, while Hon. Olayanju underscored the importance of ensuring community benefits from mining operations.
“Although mining is on the Federal exclusive list, our communities must still benefit. Miners must register with the State and enter into CDAs before obtaining community consent,” he noted.
Representatives from Operation Burst, NSCDC, the Old Oyo National Park, and the Zonal Mining Officer charged the newly inaugurated Task Force to remain focused and proactive in intelligence gathering and enforcement.
