The licensed and legal coal miners in Kogi State have backed the federal and state governments over their recent clampdown on the activities of illegal miners in the state.
In a statement signed by Innocent Ezuma, Executive Chairman, Etazuma Mining and Industries Limited, the miners said they were satisfied with the level of coordination between the federal and state governments, working hand-in-hand to flush out illegal miners in the country.
“We, the Licensed and legal Coal Miners in Kogi State, hereby issue this press statement to express our support for and earnest appreciation to the President of The Federal Government of Nigeria, His Excellency Alhaji Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Solid Mineral Development, Dele Alake and the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello”, they stated.
The development comes after the Kogi State Government said it had seized 21 trucks loaded with coal, amounting to 945 tonnes, all of which were products of illegal mining.
The action followed an announcement by Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Mineral Development, of a ban on illegal mining activities by the Federal Government.
Recall that illegal miners were blamed for the devastating explosion which happened in Ibadan, Oyo State, last week, with at least three persons killed.
Miners back Nigerian govt’s clampdown on illegal mining
