Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on Saturday shut down a factory in the state that was being used for illegal mining activities when he paid an impromptu visit to the mining site.
The facility, which was originally meant for recycling batteries and tires, had been taken over by suspected illegal miners who were processing and packaging lithium. Governor Makinde ordered the closure of the facility and the arrest of four individuals who were operating at the site without the approved license from the government. Preliminary investigations revealed that the factory was being operated by some Chinese nationals, with the support of individuals from other parts of the country.
The governor emphasized the need for states to have input in the issuance of mining licenses, as there will always be security threats and concerns when this responsibility solely lies with the federal government. He stated that the arrested factory workers would be prosecuted for contravening the Executive Order on the safe handling of harmful substances. Furthermore, Governor Makinde announced that the state government would take over the facility through a court process to thoroughly investigate the matter. He expressed concern about the retention of mining in the Exclusive Legislative List, as it poses potential security threats and burdens for states.
While Oyo State remains open to investors and aims to foster cooperation among stakeholders, Governor Makinde emphasized the importance of businesses obeying local laws and regulations. He urged investors to respect and adhere to the laws of the state while conducting their operations. The crackdown on illegal mining activities in Oyo State demonstrates the government’s commitment to tackling this problem and protecting its resources. By shutting down illegal mining operations and ensuring that all businesses abide by local laws, the state government aims to create a safe and regulated environment for legitimate mining activities to thrive.
