Imo state Commissioner For Industry , Mines and Solid Minerals , Rt. Hon Barr Ernest Ibejiako ( Nwandaa ) , has disclosed moves to restore sanity and surmount the present challenges facing the mining sector.
Hon Ibejiako , made the disclosure during the maiden stakeholders meeting of miners in Imo . He noted his desires to accomplish an enviable milestone while in office. He said that the federal government and the 3R government of governor Hope Uzodinma have respective role to play, in order to wipe out the challenges facing the mining sector.
The ministry then issued a communique, the Commissioner informed that the communique is created to achieve the above positive goals the ministry desires for the miners .The communique include the following , “Need For Cooperation From All Mining Stakeholders” , the Commissioner, expressed dismay of conflicts among the stakeholders and the agents of the ministry in the collection of revenues. He reiterated that the state government reserves rights to collect revenues for environmental sustainability. He mentioned the second in the communique which is , ” Adhering To The Miming Rules And Regulations” , he maintained that miners must adhere to laws and regulations guiding the mining industry from both the federal and state governments, which includes , obtaining the relevant license and permits , avoid illegal mining and payment of the accurate revenues.
The third point in the communique which the Commissioner mentioned was “Relocation Of Miners To Safer Ecological And Environmental Zones” , he noted that his ministry is considering relocating miners whose mining activities affected the ecological systems , he stated that, despite the governor Uzodinma’s instructions for the closure of the mining sites , that mining operators are still going on these affected areas , thereby disobeying the governor. He noted that his ministry will soon commence enforcement to fish out defaulters and punish them according to the law . The fourth subhead in the communique is ” Appraisal Of Performance Of Revenue Collection , the Commissioner, expressed dismay that miners refused to pay their applicable revenues. He added that the action will not be accepted by the ministry, he informed that the ministry will carry out a full appraisal of the revenue collectors and defaulters will face the consequences.
The rest of the subheads in the communique were , ” Auditing Of The Revenue Collectors And Miners Compliance” the Commissioner that said, his ministry is determined to audit the collectors of government revenues as well as miners’ revenues payment profiles , he maintained that this will help the ministry to fish out those cheating the government and also help the government to carry out audit that will help fix the system for improve revenue yields to the government Treasury Single Account (TSA) .
Hon Ibejiako, mentioned the last subhead in the communique which is “Need To Curtail The Proliferation Of Mining Routes” Hon Ibejiako, said that his ministry has noticed the creation of many roads channels and networks at mining sites which degrades the ecology and environment . He disclosed that his ministry will close many of such roads channels, as well limit them to the necessary and important routes that are serviceable to both the miners and tipper drivers . He said that, this , will help the government to initiate actions and work and bring out remedy to the bad roads for sustainable environmental management in the mining location.
Finally, Hon Ibejiako, encouraged the miners and stakeholders to cooperate with the Ministry so as to function effectively. He assured them that the ministry will give them the necessary support and assistance to profit in the mining business.
Responding, the state chairman of Miners , Prince Ugochukwu Onyenwenwa , thanked the Commissioner For his good desires , steadfastness and selfless services towards the miners . He pledged on behalf his members of continuous supports towards the ministry.
The communique was signed by the stakeholders of all miners and Solid Minerals.
