The Kwara State Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development, Dr Afeez Abolore Alabi, has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the Department of State Services, DSS, to effectively collaborate on ways to curb the menace of illegal mining activities in the state.
The commissioner made the call on Wednesday when he paid courtesy visits to the headquarters of the two security agencies in Ilorin, the state capital.
Abolore explained that the visits became necessary in view of the activities of illegal miners in the state.
The commissioner expressed concern over the negative impact of illegal mining on the revenues of the state.
Responding, the state Zonal Director, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Harry Erin appreciated the commissioner for the visit with a promise to synergize with the ministry to rid the state of illegal miners.
He called for stakeholders’ participation and support in order to reduce the loss of revenue due to the government.
Similarly, the State Director, DSS, on his part, said Kwara was blessed with varieties of quality mineral resources, with great revenue potentials to the state government.
He therefore urged the state government to evolve strategies and put up programmes that would empower the youths, adding, “The more we get them involved in productive activities, the better for our society.”