In a significant move to combat the rampant illegal mining activities plaguing Oyo State and its neighboring regions, the Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Oyo State Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have joined forces.
This alliance aims to address the grave economic and environmental concerns posed by illicit mining operations.
The commitment to this collaboration was cemented recently, during a pivotal meeting held between the Acting Zonal Commander of the EFCC in Ibadan, ACE I Halima Mustafa Rufa’u, and the Oyo/Osun State Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Babajide Jaiyeoba.
In a statement shared on the EFCC’s official Twitter handle, Rufa’u expressed her deep concern over the adverse impact of illegal solid mineral mining on the nation’s economic growth.
She emphasized the urgent need to address this issue, stating, “I am glad to be here today on this familiarization visit but more importantly, this visit offers an opportunity to deliberate on how best to tackle the menace of illegal mining in Oyo, Osun, and Ekiti States.”
Rufa’u further lamented the mismanagement of the country’s valuable natural resources, which should have been harnessed for the betterment of society.
She added, “It saddens me to see that our natural resources that should have been used to develop our country, build good health facilities, alleviate poverty, improve our educational system, etc., are being mismanaged by unscrupulous individuals for their personal gains.”
Undeterred by the activities of corrupt individuals benefiting from illegal mining operations, Rufa’u pledged that the EFCC would vigorously enforce existing laws against illegal miners.
She underscored the importance of a more robust collaboration and synergy between the EFCC and NCS to effectively combat this menace.
Illegal mining has not only posed a significant threat to Nigeria’s economy but has also led to environmental degradation and a loss of revenue that could be channeled into vital sectors such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure development.
The joint efforts of the EFCC and NCS signify a determination to restore order, ensuring that Nigeria’s abundant mineral resources are utilized for the collective good of the nation.
This partnership sends a strong message to those engaged in illegal mining activities: the authorities are united in their resolve to protect Nigeria’s resources and hold lawbreakers accountable.
As the EFCC and NCS combine their expertise and resources, there is renewed hope that the illegal mining problem in Oyo State and beyond will be effectively curtailed, paving the way for sustainable economic growth and environmental preservation.