In furtherance of its effort at guiding against degradation of the environment by activities of miners and dredgers, the Ogun State Government has insisted that all miners and dredgers must be licensed before having access to specific mining operations in the State.

The State Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investments, Mrs. Kikelomo Longe made this known at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, during a stakeholders’ engagement meeting with miners and dredgers across the State, saying that they must be socially responsible and respect all the terms and conditions laid down by the host community and the State Government.

"You should have necessary documents backing your activities before working in the State. These include Certificate of Registration from Corporate Affairs Commission, Mining License from Federal Cadastral Office, Environmental Impact Assessment Clearance, Community Development Agreement and others. You should be concerned about the health of your workforce by providing personal protection equipment and also ensure compliance with Nigeria Labour Law", she said.

Also speaking, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, TPL. Tunji Odunlami said the State requires legal permit for all structures on mining sites, adding that miners cannot just come into the State and commence work without due process, as there are lands set aside for mining, agriculture and industries.

Odunlami urged them to be professional in their activities and follow the rules and regulations guiding mining procedures in the State.

In his submission, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Mr. Ola Oresanya who said the level of degradation of the environment and the health hazards of mining cannot be over-emphasised, noted that government would leave no stone unturned at protecting the lives and property of its citizens, advising those with expired licenses to renew same, in order to have a smooth working relationship with the State Government.

"No responsible government will fold its arms and allow this to go on in their States. We saw dredgers doing their work without minding the level of destruction to the host community and we in Ogun State, will no longer take such, as we are working hand in hand with the Federal law enforcement agencies, to halt every act of illegal mining and dredging", Oresanya submitted.