Osun: Adeleke engages regulatory agency, moves to revalidate state’s mining licences

*Governor (Sen.) Ademola Adeleke of Osun State assures the Nigeria Mining Cadastral Agency his administration will pay the required licensing fees, and set up a transparent management of the field operations

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

In his bid to secure the state’s assets and stabilise the economy, Governor (Sen.) Ademola Adeleke of Osun State is making effort at halting the forfeiture of the state’s mining licences due to alleged mismanagement by the previous administration.

ConsumerConnect learnt Governor Adeleke, Sunday, April 2, 2023, assured that his administration would revalidate the mining sector.

Raw gold deposits in Osun State

He noted that his administration had stopped the forfeiture of state mining licences caused by the previous administration due to mismanagement.

The governor made the pledge during a meeting with Engr. Obadiah Nkom, Director-General of the Nigeria Mining Cadastral Agency, after the submission of the report of the Solid Minerals Committee in the state.

Adeleke also disclosed the state has about seven mining licences across the solid minerals value chain.

Rev. Bunmi Jenyo, Hon. Clement Akanni Olorunwa attended the meeting with Governor Adeleke presiding.

The governor disclosed the mining licences, however, were almost sold off in the last days of the Mr. Gboyega Oyetola’s administration through what appeared like a deliberate refusal to revalidate them through payment of required fees to the Federal mining licensing body.

The governor, nonetheless, pledged to accelerate efforts at repositioning the sector and ensuring the revalidation of the state mining licences.

Adeleke further assured that his administration would secure the state’s assets and stabilise the economy

“My administration is ready to ensure all necessary fees are paid so that the state’s mining licenses can be secured.

“I am meeting you today to affirm our administration’s readiness to revalidate our mining licenses,” stated he.

Adeleke said: “We apologise for the conduct of the previous government.

“Under my watch, the licenses will be better managed in compliance with relevant laws.

“We also thank the mining authorities for protecting the state mining assets during those transition periods.

“We appreciate the professionalism of the management of the licensing office.”

He also noted “on our part, we will pay the required fees, and we will move ahead with a transparent management of the field operations.

“We are, however, coming back to meet the Federal Minister of Mines and Solid Minerals.

Osun has been brutally environmentally violated. “Those the Federal Government gave mining licenses to have destroyed the Osun environment. Underground water across the Eastern senatorial district is polluted.”

He stated: “Osun deserves a marshal plan to clean up her environment.

“But we are coming to officially provide proof of these environmental crimes.

“We will partner with the Federal Ministry on how to clean up our environment. There must be accountability.”

Speaking at the forum, Engr. Nkom expressed the readiness of his agency to partner with the Osun State Government for the revival of the state’s mining sector.

The Director-General, who described Osun State as an important mining Federating unit, commended the political will demonstrated by Governor Adeleke.

The Director-General said: “This direct meeting with our agency is unprecedented in federal-state mining relations.

“We are honoured and challenged by Your Excellency’s direct meeting with me on this issue of Osun mining licences.

“I can assure you that our cooperation is assured. We will work with your team to resolve all outstanding issues.”

Also speaking at the meeting, Hon. Kazeem Akinleye, Chief of Staff to the Governor, applauded Adeleke for his commitment to reviving the mining sector in Osun state.

Hon. Akinleye said: “We now have a marching order of his Excellency to work hard to ensure safety of the licences.

“We will act immediately on the directive by hosting a follow up meeting with the agency and the Federal Ministry on the issue of environmental degradation and pollution.”

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