Ogun State Government Warns Illegal Miners and Dredgers

The Ogun State government has issued a stern warning to illegal miners and dredgers operating within the state, urging them to desist or face legal actions and stiff sanctions.

Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Adebola Sofela, conveyed this warning during a stakeholders’ meeting with miners and dredgers held at the Ministry’s Conference Room in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

The Commissioner, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Olu Ola Aikulola, emphasized the importance of the mining sector due to its revenue and employment generation advantages.

Sofela noted that some miners and dredgers had been operating with expired documents and stated that all operators must have their papers duly screened and obtain new clearance before returning to their sites.

“Mining is a win-win activity if done responsibly but becomes destructive and disruptive when carried out irresponsibly, given the monumental financial effects it has on the government and the community at large.

We have a collective responsibility to protect our environment and ensure that operations are conducted properly.

“The warning issued today indicates that it will no longer be business as usual. If you are arrested for illegal mining and dredging, you will face the full wrath of the law,” Sofela said.

He recalled the suspension of mining and dredging activities across the state since March 28, 2024, to allow for a proper review and upgrade of operational guidelines in line with the policies of the current administration.

Speaking on the new payment template, Sofela urged the operators to adopt it for seamless transactions and to fulfill their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) obligations.

Responding on behalf of the miners and dredgers, Ebenezer Aina commended the government for its efforts to ensure standards in the sector’s operations.