Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo, has warned against criminalising legitimate artisanal miners in Enjema community, Ankpa Local Government Area, urging security agencies and relevant authorities to distinguish lawful operators from criminal elements.
He gave the directive during an on-the-spot assessment of mining sites in the community, where he inspected environmental degradation and damage to infrastructure allegedly caused by mining activities.
Ododo disclosed that the state government had profiled a large number of artisanal miners, including more than 1,000 degree holders, over 500 master’s degree holders and more than 300 people without formal educational qualifications.
He argued that residents who engaged in legitimate mining to earn a living should not be treated as criminals.
“They are not kidnappers. They are not armed robbers. They have chosen not to go the way of kidnapping. They have chosen to earn a living through their hands. Why should somebody come here, arrest them and tag them as illegal miners?” he asked.
The governor said his administration would not allow legitimate mining activities to be disrupted under the guise of tackling insecurity, assuring residents of the government’s commitment to protecting their lives and livelihoods.
However, he expressed concern over the poor condition of roads and the absence of basic social amenities in Enjema despite the mineral resources being extracted from the community.
He consequently directed the Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development to work with the leadership of the miners’ association to obtain a comprehensive list of licensed mining operators in the area for proper engagement.
Ododo said the government would engage the operators and ensure they fulfilled their Corporate Social Responsibility obligations, particularly by rehabilitating damaged roads and providing essential facilities such as schools, potable water and electricity.
He also cautioned traditional rulers against granting consent to unlicensed mining operators, urging those who had issued approvals without following due process to withdraw them.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development, Bashir Gegu, commended the governor for visiting the community, describing the move as evidence of the administration’s commitment to ensuring that the state’s mineral wealth benefits its people.
Gegu said the state government had strengthened regulations governing mining operations, particularly the issuance of community consent letters and implementation of Community Development Agreements.
He stressed that such agreements should extend beyond token financial empowerment to include sustainable development initiatives such as good roads, potable water, electricity, quality schools and scholarships for members of host communities.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Kogi State Chapter, Yunusa Oruma, thanked the governor for the visit and his administration’s support for the mining sector.
Oruma described Ododo as a strong supporter of the industry and pledged the association’s readiness to mobilise artisanal and other categories of miners in support of his administration.
