Governor Yahaya Bello has prohibited all traditional rulers from issuing consent letters without approval by the government.
Also, existing consent letters will be reviewed
He added that the federal government has revoked some miners’ licenses because they are portfolio investors. Therefore, Kogi State must key to federal government policies and pronouncement.
He made these statements during the stakeholder sensitization meeting with traditional rulers on issues on consent letters and community development agreement (CDA) at government house in Lokoja on Thursday.
While appreciating the traditional rulers for their cooperation and understanding during his tenure, Governor Bello charged them to have complete control over their domains, stressing they most know all the occupants of their land.
The governor said there are several illegal mining of gold, coal, lithium which if channeled properly, will make the state government financially independent.
He said that after mining, the place became a haven for criminals.
“Some activities are not of benefit to society. Some criminals hid under the guise of miners, ending up arming young children and initiating them into several criminal activities,” he said.
Governor Bello reminded the monarchs that land is one of the greatest factors of production, therefore, safeguarding it is necessary.
“If caution is thrown to the wind, you will become an alien in your land. Some communities are already completely displaced.”
While pointing out the miners’ activities, he said the investors are not donating towards the development of the communities in all aspects of communal developments.
He urged the royal fathers to have a comprehensive list of activities taking place in their lands and waterways, they should also collaborate with proper government offices in the discharge of any land related activities.
He tasked the incoming government to sign a new law that will be stiff on miners.
“Before you take any mineral from Kogi, you must pay tax,” he said.
In his address, Abubakar Bashir Gegu, Commissioner of Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, said the royal fathers hold the key to the success or failure of the economy and security administration of the state, because they operate at the grassroots of society and interact closely with the people. Therefore, they remain the frontline of stakeholders in the business of economic building and security coexistence in every community.
He reiterated that traditional rulers have been banned from issuing consent letters to mining investors without clearance from the Ministry of Solid Minerals and Natural Resources.
He explained that the decision was to address the effect of environmental degradation associated with illegal mining activities coupled with security challenges.
He further said another issue of concern is the Community Development Agreement.
“The law stipulated that before any company commences mining, it has to submit statutory environmental documents mandatory for operation such as: Environmental Impact Assessment, Environmental processing, Rehabilitation programme, Community Development Agreement,” he said.
In his goodwill, Chief Solomon Owoniyi, Obaro of Kabba, said the partnership is timely as there are illegal miners all over the place, and they have been causing a lot of security challenges.
