The Kwara State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling the challenges posed by illegal mining activities in the state, highlighting the importance of collaboration with the Federal Government and security agencies. Dr. Abolore Alabi, the Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development, shared these sentiments during an inter-ministerial press briefing on Tuesday in Ilorin.
Abolore outlined the state’s strategic plans to combat illegal mining, which have been prioritised for 2025. He emphasised the role of the Federal Government and security agencies in addressing this growing issue. “The Federal Government and security agencies are key to curbing the menace of illegal mining and ensuring the safety of all stakeholders involved,” he said.
One of the central measures to address the situation includes partnerships with newly inaugurated local government chairmen. These chairmen are actively collaborating with the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development to tackle illegal mining. Additionally, the local councils are engaging community associations to raise awareness about the dangers of illegal mining and the importance of adopting legal mining practices.
As part of its ongoing efforts, the Kwara State Government will soon host a summit bringing together traditional rulers, mining sector stakeholders, and other relevant actors. The summit aims to facilitate discussions on sustainable solutions to curb illegal mining and further develop the sector in a regulated, secure environment. The Commissioner stated, “The summit aims to brainstorm on sustainable solutions to tackle illegal mining and enhance the sector’s development.”
Abolore also highlighted that the state government is working with the Federal Government to ensure that mining operators obtain the proper licenses. This move is intended to foster safer mining practices, protect the environment, and contribute to economic growth. The Commissioner emphasised that the goal is to ensure that miners operate legally and responsibly, which will not only support the sector’s growth but also protect the state’s environment and promote community welfare.
“The state government is committed to ensuring that miners operate legally and responsibly to boost economic growth and protect our environment,” Abolore reiterated. He expressed confidence that these measures would help create a more regulated and safer mining sector that will significantly contribute to Kwara’s overall economic development.
Furthermore, Abolore reaffirmed the government’s dedication to harnessing the state’s mineral resources in a way that benefits local communities while ensuring environmental sustainability. With these initiatives, the state government aims to create a safer and more structured mining environment.
Earlier in the briefing, the Commissioner for Communications, Bola Olukoju, praised the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, noting the significant strides made across various sectors of the state. She emphasized that the inter-ministerial press briefing provided an opportunity to showcase the impactful achievements of the current administration, describing them as visionary and long-lasting legacies.
The Kwara State Government’s ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining are reflective of a broader commitment to sustainable resource management, community engagement, and fostering economic growth through regulated practices. The state is striving to build a robust framework for legal and responsible mining practices by working with local communities, security agencies, and the Federal Government.
