The Ogun State Government has issued a note of warning to illegal miners and dredgers operating within its domain, threatening necessary legal actions and stiff sanctions against any law breaker.

This warning was given by the Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Adebola Sofela, at a stakeholders meeting with miners and dredgers held at the Ministry's Conference Room, in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

Describing mining and dredging as an important sector across the globe considering its revenue and employment generation potentials, Sofela  who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Olu. Ola. Aikulola, affirmed that the need for responsible mining and dredging cannot be over-emphasised.

The Commissioner lamented the negative impacts of irresponsible mining and dredging on the community and State infrastructure, which he said can both be destructive and disruptive.

Sofela who also noted that some miners and dredgers had been operating with expired documents, called for immediate  screening of the papers for various operators. He sternly warned that new clearance must be obtained before returning to site.

He recalled the suspension of mining and dredging activities by the Ministry across the State since 28th March, 2024 was to allow for a proper review and upgrade of  operational guidelines in line with the policies of the current Administration . He also hinted on the new payment template   enjoining them to key into it for a seamless transaction with government.  

Urging the miners to adhere and  be alive to their Corporate Social Responsibility [CSR]and commitment to government The  Commissioner said that both the community and government should not be short-changed in the scheme of things.

"The note of warning I am giving today is an indication that it is not going to be business as usual going forward. If you are arrested for illegal mining and dredging, you will be made to face the full wrath of the law.

"Mining is a win-win thing if done responsibly but destructive and disruptive when it is irresponsibly carried out given the monumental financial effects it has on government and community at large. We have a collective responsibility to protect our environment and see that things are done according,"he said.

Responding on behalf of the miners and dredgers, Mr. Ebenezer Aina, commended the government for its efforts at ensuring that standard practice were adhered to in their operations.