The Kogi State Government has banned traditional rulers and community leaders from issuing consent letters to prospective miners in the state.

The government directed that henceforth any consent letter must pass through due process for its consideration and approval.

The Kogi State Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Bashir Gegu, made the declaration during a meeting with traditional rulers on issues of tackling consent letters and community development agreements in Lokoja, the state capital, on Thursday, January 18, 2024.

“This step taken by the government becomes imperative in view of the prevailing circumstances about the issuance of consent letters that has given us a lot of concerns,” Gegu said.

The commissioner noted that the atrocities committed by illegal miners brought about the recent ban on illegal mining activities in the state.

He added: “The decision is to address the growing issues of illegal mining activities and insecurity in the state, as well as effects of environmental degradation.

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“It’s my belief that this meeting will afford all the stakeholders the opportunity to have adequate information on the proper manner of handling issues that concern the release of consent letters to the mining investors.

“The ban imposed today is not the first as most states of the federation had long banned issuance of consent letters to mining investors without clearance.

“As traditional rulers and royal fathers, it is generally believed that you hold the key to the success or failure of the economy and security administration of the state.

“This is simply because you operate at the grassroots of the society and interact closely with people in their daily activities.”

The commissioner told the traditional rulers that they remain on the frontline of stakeholders in the business of economic building and security coexisting in every community.

Gegu also reminded them that the situation of economy and security in Kogi State deserved a collective approach by the government, the traditional institution, and the communities for the desired peace and unity.

He assured them of the government’s continued support to them in their efforts to de-escalate communal conflicts that continue to inflict severe losses of lives and destruction of properties.

The Star