Mohammed Shosanya
The Kwara Sustainable Development Advocacy Forum (KWASDAF),has advocated the need for the Federal and State Governments to come out accountable and transparent on mining in Kwara State.
The development was sequel to the seizure of 12-truck loads of Lithium by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). This led to the arrest of over 40 people.
Musa Idris Buko,coordinator of the group,said in a statement that fear is now crippling into the mind of the populace on the potential rise of insurgency in some regions of Kwara where mining activities take place.
The pro-democracy group advised the Federal Government to prioritize Kwara State in her efforts to develop the mining sector in line with global best practices.
The statement also implored the state government to appoint a substantive Commissioner for Ministry of Works and Transport, with a view to allowing the current Hon. Commissioner for Mines and Solid Minerals,who doubles as the Supervising Commissioner for Works and Transport to squarely face his job in the Ministry he was appointed to man.
“Beyond the potential insurgency illegal mining could breed, there are issues of pollution covering land, air, and water, environmental degradation and health hazards. Political consideration for 2027 should not be the only priority for Kwara North, rather, the area and the State must live in peace to witness 2027 and beyond. However, with the increased number of illegal miners in about two years, there is need to sit and think critically about the stability of the state”,it added
According to the coordinator,the state government definitely reserves the right and power to contend with the effect of the exploration activities in Kwara State.
The group maintained that the urge to seek for increased revenue for government has led to massive attention in mining, and the State must ensure that within the capacity it has, it designs a framework that can contain the imminent threat illegal mining posesses.
It added:”Zamfara was deep in insurgency connected to illegal mining, before deploying plans for local police, Kwara State Government does not need to wait until it is late before drawing maps for local safety and policing.
“This is an advocacy for immediate action, if illegal mining in Kwara North is allowed to thrive, it will affect food security and production, the effect can only be imagined now, reality may make us wish we took a more solid ground when we had the opportunity.
“The state government should also kindly come accountable and transparent on the derivations received on mining of mineral resources in Kwara. The amount of Lithium and other resources being mined calls for serious account and transparency.