Kwara Moves to Curb Banditry through Regulated Mining Activities
The Kwara State Government has unveiled new strategies to regulate mining activities and prevent the infiltration of bandits through the sector, as part of its broader efforts to ensure security and sustainable mineral development.
The State Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development, Chief Abosede Olaitan Buraimoh, announced the measures during the third quarterly inter-ministerial press briefing held in Ilorin on Tuesday.
As part of the initiative, the government will launch a sensitisation campaign targeting traditional rulers and other key stakeholders. The campaign will focus on educating and empowering community leaders to properly profile mining investors within their domains and discourage illegal and artisanal mining operations.
Kwara, identified as one of Nigeria’s leading solid mineral-producing states, is seeking to harness its mineral potential responsibly while maintaining public safety. To that end, the state is partnering with the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority to promote safe mining practices and reduce risks associated with radioactive emissions at mining sites.
Buraimoh also disclosed that collaboration between the Ministry and the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service has strengthened revenue collection from haulage consultants, contributing to improved internally generated revenue.
In addition, the state government is working on legislation that will mandate mining companies to reclaim degraded lands for agricultural purposes after completing their operations.
The commissioner further revealed that five special purpose vehicles (SPVs) have been registered, with the state now finalising the process of obtaining mining licences for them. The move is expected to attract more investors to the sector and boost Kwara’s revenue base.
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