Lagos State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has commenced the process of revamping the Mineral Resources Sector to align mining and dredging activities to the Mega City status of Lagos State while also prioritising the well-being of the citizens and the future generation.
The Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Biodun Ogunleye stated this recently during a stakeholders meeting held at Adeyemi-Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Secretariat, Ikeja.
Speaking on the theme, “Revamping the Mineral Resources Sector in Relation to Mega City Status of Lagos”, Ogunleye emphasised the need for dredgers and miners to conduct their businesses within the confines of available laws and stipulated regulations.
While saying that the minerals resources sector plays a major role in the provision and supply of raw materials required for infrastructural development to attain the megacity status of Lagos, the Commissioner pointed out that players in the sector must prioritise sustainability and prosperity for all as against the drive to make money at all cost.
According to him, the journey towards sustainable development and prosperity in the mineral resources sector requires all stakeholders to utilise enabling technology, embrace innovations and collaborate with the regulators.
As part of the revamping process being supervised by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Energy and Mineral Resources (Office of Mineral Resources), Engr. Abiola Olowu, a tarpaulin and revenue collectors outfit was unveiled during the stakeholders meeting for all the participants.
The Special Adviser encouraged the miners and dredgers to ensure adherence to the use of tarpaulin to cover their sand and granites while on motion, explaining that the newly unveiled revenue collectors outfits will make it easy for the stakeholders to identify genuine agents of the State Government from impostors.
He bemoaned some habits by miners and dredgers that are posing environmental threats, and health hazards negatively affecting government infrastructures within those localities where mining and dredging activities take place.
Some of these unwholesome practices, and according to him, include carrying wet sand, conveying sand with rickety vehicles, blockage of drainage canals that can lead to flooding, overloading and overspending, among others.
Olowu said, “We must recognise the imperative of environmental stewardship and conservation in the pursuit of our development goals. The ecological integrity of Lagos is not negotiable, and we must take decisive action to mitigate the adverse impacts of mining activities on our land and water.
“Through responsible mining practices, land reclamation initiatives, and investments in clean technologies, we can safeguard our natural heritage for future generations while harnessing the full potential of our mineral wealth”, he added.
Olowu promised that the Ministry will begin full enforcement of Mining, and Dredging guidelines from March this year with assurance that recalcitrant dredgers and miners who fail to carry out their activities within the operational guidelines would face the wrath of the law.
Earlier, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Engr. (Ms.) Sholabomi Shashore averred that the stakeholders’ gathering will help chart a transformative course for the mineral resources sector in the context of Lagos.
She pleaded with the stakeholders to combine their expertise, insights and innovative spirit to unlock the full potential of Lagos’s mineral resources to shape a future where sustainable practices and technological advancement take centre stage.
Engr. Shashore also enlightened the Ministry stakeholders on the need to register their operations with the State Government, informing them of several benefits attached to the registration in terms of recognition and assistance from the government from time to time.
