The Chairman of Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO) Enugu State Chapter, Engr. Samuel Onyinye Okoro has sued for collaboration between the Committee and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in tackling illegal mining in Enugu State.
Okoro, who also doubles as the Special Adviser to the Governor of Enugu State on Solid Minerals and Mining, appealed on Friday, August 9, 2024, when he led his team on a courtesy visit to the Enugu Zonal Director of the EFCC, DCE Mohammed Shuaib Bello in his office.
The MIREMCO’s boss acknowledged the vital roles of the Commission in the fight against economic sabotage in the country and stressed that his committee had a mandate of managing the mineral resources of the Enugu State with the necessary support of the EFCC.
“The essence of this Committee is to manage our mineral resources and the input of the State and local governments are all needed to make it work. We bridge this gap and if you look at these abled men here, they are from different ministries that have to do with mining in the state. We have a lot of problems in Enugu, ranging from illegal mining and the rest and we know very well the roles EFCC plays in fighting economic sabotage. So, we are here to introduce ourselves, identify what we do, and plead with the Commission to give us the necessary support to succeed”.
While receiving his guests, the Zonal Director commended Okoro for the visit, adding that collaboration between the Committee and the Commission was necessary for the State. Bello frowned at the upsurge of miners without appropriate licences in the State and thereafter enjoined the Committee to share intelligence with the EFCC “so that we can set an example and stop this nonsense”.
“Illegal mining is one of the major economic crimes bedeviling the State. Collaboration is very necessary between us. We appreciate it and we want that. We will give you all the necessary cooperation”.
In an interactive session, Assistant Commander of the EFCC and Head of Proceeds of Crimes of the Directorate, ACE I Hamza Abdullahi, sued for synergy in sensitizing the public on the types of mineral resources in the state and those allowed to mine a particular type of mineral in a particular location. According to him, miners usually make the mistake of acquiring a particular licence to mine in a state and using the same license to mine in another state.
“There are different categories of licence for you to mine. Some people have a licence just to buy and sell. We need to collaborate and sensitize each other and engage in public enlightenment from time to time so that we can know who is supposed to mine what type of mineral resources in a particular area because your licence might be reading Ogun State and you are in Enugu mining. We need awareness so that we can safeguard our environment”.
Responding, Okoro assured that MIREMCO will avail the Commission of all the necessary information needed to enhance collaboration between the two agencies, as contained in a statement by the Head of Media & Publicity, Dele Oyewale.
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