The Kwara State government in North Central Nigeria has once again expressed its commitment to supporting the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in combatting illegal mining activities in the state.
Abdulquiwiy Olododo, the State Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development, reaffirmed this support during a courtesy visit to the Zonal Commander of the Ilorin Zonal Command of the EFCC, Michael Nzekwe. The visit took place at the EFCC’s Office in GRA, Ilorin.
Olododo stated that the government, led by Mallam AbdulRahman Abdulrazaq, who also serves as the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF), is determined to declare a state of emergency in the mining sector. The aim of this declaration is to ensure that revenue generated from the sector is used for the state’s development.
Expressing confidence in the EFCC’s efforts in combating illegal mining activities and other economic crimes in Kwara State, Olododo commended the commission for its courage and perseverance in tackling unauthorized mining operations.
He said, “The government is fully aware of the challenges you face in carrying out this demanding task. The government is committed to supporting your efforts as it focuses on the proper organization and harnessing of the mining sector’s potential to attract local and foreign investors.”
Olododo, who took over as the Commissioner in charge of solid minerals development just a month ago, expressed his gratitude to the EFCC for their contributions towards improving Kwara State. He added, “So, I have come to say a big thank you to the EFCC for all that you have been doing to make Kwara better.“
The Commissioner called on the EFCC not to relent in its efforts to combat corruption in Kwara State and urged for increased collaboration and synergy among government agencies, particularly in the ongoing anti-corruption campaign.
In response, Nzekwe warmly welcomed Olododo’s visit, describing it as “timely and the first of its kind” since assuming office as Commissioner. Nzekwe commended Governor Abdulrazaq for appointing young and vibrant individuals to his cabinet and expressed confidence that Olododo’s appointment as head of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development would positively transform the sector.
Nzekwe stated, “Kwara is abundantly rich in mineral deposits, and the resources available in the 16 Local Government Areas of the State are enough to transform it into a prosperous hub, if properly harnessed.”
The Zonal Commander revealed that intelligence had uncovered several illegal mining sites across the state and highlighted the EFCC’s efforts in curbing this menace. This has resulted in the arrest of over 80 suspected illegal miners and confiscation of truckloads of assorted minerals over the past ten months.
Expressing concern over the rate at which the state’s resources are being exploited by illegal miners, Nzekwe emphasized that “if these resources are channeled through the appropriate channels and utilized effectively, they are sufficient to sustain the state’s economy and make it self-reliant.”
He assured that “the fight against corruption, especially illegal mining, requires the support of every individual to succeed,” and emphasized that “the Commission will spare no effort in enforcing all relevant laws against illegal miners and corrupt individuals in the state.“