Kogi Govt. Asks All Mining Companies Operating In The State To Presents Their License of Permit, Or Face The Law
Kogi State Commissioner of Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Engr. Abubakar Mohammed Bashir, popularly called Bashir Gegu has warned Mining Companies operating in Kogi State to present their license and other documents, granting them permit from the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development or other related authorities to enable them operate freely.
Engr. Bashir Gegu gave the warning while on a routine check as part of the Ministry’s obligations to minimize illegal mining activities in the State.
The Commissioner said aside the presentation of license and other relevant documents, there was need for the Companies to collaborate with the State through payment of haulage as statutory responsibility of such Complicenseto enable the State generate its revenue.
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“While on a routine check, we visited Sultanate Heritage Investment Int’l Limited where they are exploring marble in Zango, Adavi LGA, about 20km away from Army Barracks Lokoja
“We asked the Company to stop their mining activities over there until they present license and other documents of permit from the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development or from the Federal Mines Office in Lokoja before they can continue their operations
“Over there, I spoke with the Director of the Company, in person of Alh. Sadiq Kashim from Sokoto State. He said they have all the legal documents and I asked them to present them within the shortest possible time
“By the time they tender the necessary documents and we find out that their activities is legal as they said, then they will need to collaborate with the State government through their payment of haulage to enable the State generate revenue from the sector”
He pointed out that Alhaji Sadiq assured of his Company’s readiness to obey all rules of engagement for enhancement of revenue generation in Kogi State.
Engr. Bashir Gegu, on his part also assured the Company of enabling environment in as much as they obey all protocols, stressing that the Governor Yahaya Bello-led Administration was always ready to ensure the growth of the sector.
He as well warned other Mining Companies that are yet to collaborate with the State to as a matter urgency do the needful in their best interest.
”In as much as our doors are open, it is also necessary for all Mining Companies to do the needful, if not the State will show them the way out”
Engr. Bashir Gegu said the Ministry will continue to beam its searchlight on all nooks and crannies of the State to checkmate the activities of all miners for proper documentation and revenue generation.
