Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has expressed support for the Federal Ministry of Mines’ intervention in the state’s tax dispute with Thors Explorations Limited, emphasizing that Osun’s claims are in accordance with the Constitution and existing laws.
In a statement released by Olawale Rasheed, the governor’s spokesperson, on Sunday in Osogbo, it was revealed that Governor Adeleke had reached out to the Minister of Mines, Dele Alake, affirming Osun’s support for efforts to attract foreign direct investment into Nigeria.
However, the governor stressed that investors must be transparent, comply with local laws, and safeguard the environment.
Governor Adeleke disclosed that since 2023, Osun State had been in discussions with Thors Explorations without resolution. “Segilola Resources Operating Limited has accumulated tax liabilities of N3.25 billion, with a demand notice issued in April 2024,” he said.
The governor reiterated Osun’s legal right to collect the outstanding taxes, further revealing that “Thors Explorations was operating six other companies on-site without disclosure to the state government for tax and environmental accountability purposes.”
The companies were identified as SINIC Engineering Limited, ATF Consulting Limited, Monument Nigeria Limited, Rabaa Cleaning Limited, Deep Rock Drilling Services, and CEFO Security Limited.
Governor Adeleke also highlighted Osun’s status as a shareholder in Thors Explorations, stating, “Thors Explorations Limited confirmed that Osun holds 5,192,896 units of shares in the company.”
He insisted that Osun is entitled to financial benefits as a shareholder and decried the environmental degradation caused by the company’s mining operations.
“The company has a duty to pay for environmental reclamation. Osun State, as a critical stakeholder, has several mining licenses and understands the laws.
Our goal is to claim what is due to the state, as mandated by law,” the governor said.
Governor Adeleke emphasized that Osun is committed to fostering an environment conducive to business but would not tolerate a lack of transparency and accountability in mining operations.
“We expect respect for local laws and environmental standards, as practiced in Europe and North America,” he added.
The governor welcomed the upcoming federal fact-finding team and expressed readiness to present Osun’s case.
He warned that Thors Explorations could not evade local tax obligations or environmental responsibilities by citing mining’s status on the exclusive legislative list.
The dispute escalated after the Osun State Government sealed the premises of Segilola Resources Operating Limited, accusing the company of tax violations and unethical practices.
In response, the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, led by Minister Dele Alake, cautioned against actions that could deter foreign investment in Nigeria’s mining sector, particularly following the closure of the gold mining site in Osun.
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