Licenced miners in Rivers State under the aegis of the Miners Association of Nigeria have called for the intervention of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to activities of illegal miners and alleged extortion by government officials,
This call was made when the association’s chairman, His Royal Highness, Hope Daminabo Dan Opusingi, led his members on a courtesy visit to EFCC’s Acting Director, Adebayo Adeniyi.
Opusingi also urged EFCC to swing into action against the illegal mining companies. He lamented alleged harassment and extortion of the registered miners in the state by some state government actors who often short down their sites and confiscate equipment.
According to Opusingi, numerous mining companies are operating in the state but only a few are licensed and authorised.
In response, Adeniyi who was represented by ACE I Ude Nkechi, appreciated the chairman and members of the association for identifying with the commission and assured them of a quick response to their complaints.
She added that the commission will not only enforce the laws against illegal miners but will also enlighten members of the association through workshops on the sector to enable them to guard against extortion and harassment.
Adeniyi further informed the association that the EFCC now has a committee on illegal mining that is currently handling a lot of matters on illegal mining.
The illegal mining Task Force, headed by Superintendent of EFCC, Adamu Alhassan, assured of his team’s readiness to sanitise the mining sector and sought the cooperation of the association.
