Tuesday, August 9, 2016
The Federal Government
has vowed 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,
Nigerian Development and Construction Company, NDCC.
Fayemi 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."
SOURCE: VANGUARD