OYO LAWMAKER CALLS FOR TOUGHER MEASURES AGAINST ILLEGAL MINING
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Anthony Ogunsola, a member of the Oyo State House of Assembly, has cited growing security risks and exploitation associated with unlicensed mining in the State as reasons for calling for more forceful executive involvement.
Ogunsola, speaking on behalf of the Iwajowa Constituency, delivered a study demonstrating how illegal mining contributes to environmental degradation, kidnapping, and banditry in host communities during a Tuesday House session.
As the Chairman of the House Committee on Solid Minerals, Ogunsola emphasized that a lot of today’s problems are caused by strangers infiltrating communities, which increases social vices like robbery, kidnapping, and insecurity.
Although Ogunsola acknowledged the constitutional monitoring of mining and the current initiatives of Governor Seyi Makinde, such as Executive Order No. 001 of 2023, he was concerned about the lack of compliance.
“It was revealed that little progress had been recorded on the level of compliance by Mineral title holders…only thirteen (13) miners officially registered with the Agency,” the report stated.
He emphasised that this non-compliance “is constituting security threats and challenges within the State especially the mining communities.”
Ogunsola highlighted instances like the protest in Itasa against a firm for alleged illegal exploration.
He also criticised the alleged inaction of the State Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee and a lack of synergy among relevant agencies.
“There is a need for the executive arm of government to take more proactive and decisive steps to curb unregulated mining operations in the state that posed security threats and illegal and unpatriotic miners that exploit host/mining communities,” Hon. Ogunsola asserted.
He called for more interagency cooperation, public awareness initiatives for mining communities, and more logistical support for the enforcement task force.
In order to verify compliance, the member also proposed site inspections and an audit of mineral rights holders.
Ogunsola’s appeal highlights the urgent need for a stronger executive reaction to stop illicit mining and its negative effects on Oyo State communities and security.
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