The Commissioner for Mining and Energy, Engr. Ethan Uzamere made this known while presenting a paper titled ' Mineral Exploitation and Internal Security in Edo State by 2028: Strategic Option ' at a programme organised by Air Force War College Nigeria Course 9 Study Tour of Edo State in Benin City.
Engr. Uzamere said that the state is blessed with an abundance of minerals which includes limestone, marble, kaolin, gypsum, feldspar, gold, granite, dolomite, galena, tantalite, gemstone, quartz, bitumen, bentonite, laterite, sharp sand and river gravel.
He equally pointed out key investment opportunities in the mineral sector of the state to include mining, quarrying, Mineral processing, marketing, transportation, equipment leasing and mineral tourism.
On challenges faced in the sector, the Commissioner identified poor mining sector governance structure, influx of illegal artisanal miners, non-adherence to mining laws and regulations, CSR agitations from host communities, Kidnapping, improper storage of explosives which culminates into loss of revenue, Influx of illegal arms and weapons, Environmental and land issues, Community and youth restiveness, Loss of lives and properties and rise in criminality as resultant effects.
Engr. Uzamere stressed that the strategic options taken by the state to curb the challenges are fortifying the State Security architecture, addressing the State’s governance framework and policies on the
use of land, impact on the environment and CSR, Establishing SPVs to make use of inactive minerals titles.
While others are Strengthening collaboration with relevant MDAs of Government, Auditing current mining activities and mineral title holders and intensifying Stakeholders engagement and consultation.
It is noteworthy to mention that Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, on Wednesday, received the team of the Nigerian Air Force War College who were in Edo to understudy the state’s mining sector security management system, which has repositioned its mining sector as the third most active in the country.
The Commandant, Air Force War College Nigeria, Air Vice Marshall Abraham Adole, led the Course 9/2023 delegates who are on a study tour to Edo State, with the theme, “Internal Security and Mineral Exploitation in Edo State by 2028: Strategic Options,” on a courtesy visit at the Government House in Benin City.
