By Tunji Braimoh, Abuja

he Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals and the Ankpa Traditional Council have forged a strategic alliance to combat illegal coal mining and enforce lawful mining operations in Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State, as part of efforts to sanitise Nigeria’s solid minerals sector and protect host communities from the dangers of unregulated mining activities.

The partnership was formalised during a courtesy visit by the Commander of the NSCDC Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) John Attah Onoja, to the palace of the Ejeh of Ankpa and Chairman of the Ankpa Traditional Council, His Royal Highness Alhaji Abubakar Yakubu Ahmed.

During the meeting, Onoja conveyed the goodwill of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, and the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, while emphasising the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting responsible and lawful mining practices across the country.

He urged residents and host communities in Ankpa to work only with duly licensed mining operators and avoid engaging in illegal mining activities, which he described as a major threat to lives, the environment and national economic development.

The Mining Marshals Commander also encouraged community members to report any licensed mining company that fails to comply with the provisions of its Community Development Agreement (CDA), assuring them that such complaints would be addressed promptly by the relevant authorities.

According to him, Ankpa’s abundant coal deposits and other mineral resources should serve as catalysts for economic growth and community development rather than become sources of environmental destruction, insecurity and avoidable fatalities.

“The mineral resources God has blessed Ankpa with should be a blessing to the people and not a source of suffering. Following our engagement with the traditional council, anyone found engaging in illegal mining activities will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” Onoja stated.

He expressed concern over the increasing number of deaths and accidents linked to unsafe and unregulated mining operations, stressing that the Mining Marshals would intensify enforcement efforts to curb the menace and safeguard lives.

Onoja reaffirmed the commitment of the Mining Marshals to sanitising the mining industry through strict enforcement of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, while strengthening partnerships with traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders.

In his response, the Ejeh of Ankpa commended the Minister of Solid Minerals Development and the NSCDC Commandant General for taking proactive steps to address the challenges posed by illegal mining in the area.

The monarch pledged the full support of the Ankpa Traditional Council in promoting safe and responsible mining practices, noting that a properly regulated mining sector has the potential to create jobs, attract investment and stimulate economic growth.

He declared the council’s zero-tolerance stance on illegal mining and assured the Federal Government that traditional institutions in the area would collaborate closely with the Mining Marshals and other regulatory agencies to ensure strict compliance with mining laws.

According to him, protecting lives, preserving the environment and securing the future of host communities must remain central to all mining activities within the Ankpa axis.

The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to sustained cooperation aimed at eradicating illegal mining, protecting host communities and ensuring that the mineral wealth of Ankpa contributes meaningfully to the socio-economic development of Kogi State and the nation.