…Minister recalls all mines officers across the states
Oscarline Onwuemenyi
12 August 2016, Sweetcrude, Abuja – The Federal Government has vowed to effectively regulate the transport and use of mining explosives in order to checkmate the actions of unscrupulous individuals in the solid minerals sector, who are fuelling insecurity in the country.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr. Kayode Fayemi, in a statement signed by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Yinka Oyebode, said this became necessary following the recent clampdown of an importer and seller of explosives in Koko, Delta State.
In line with the new directive, the minister has also ordered the immediate recall of all federal mines officers across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.
According to him, these measures would serve to strengthen the institutional capacity of the ministry to cooperate with the security agencies in ensuring the security of lives and property in the country, and as well as safety of the environment.
Fayemi said the ministry will not leave any stone unturned in its bid to reposition the sector for effective service delivery, and to actualise the economic diversification and job creation goals of President Muhammadu Buhari administration.
He said, “In the pursuit of our mandate to deepen the productivity of the mining industry, we will continue to collaborate with all stakeholders to guarantee that the security of lives and property, as well as safety of the environment is not compromised.
“Accordingly, all the affected officers are to report to the headquarters of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Abuja for further directives on their next assignments. Letters to this effect have been dispatched to the state and zonal offices of the ministry nationwide.”
