The Nigerian Senate has indicated it’s readiness to revoke licenses of dome Mining Operators in Nigeria, as a way of ensuring sanity in the sector. This according to the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals Development would also contribute in no small measure to revamping the country’s ailing economy.
The Chairman Senate Committee on Solid Minerals Development, Senator Osita Ngu, made the declaration while speaking on the completion of the three day Investigative Enquiry on the Mining Sector in Nigeria,. said the exercise has been revealing especially, with the activities of illegal miners, who are bent on Milking the country’s economy dry.
He further disclosed that some Nigeria that, some Nigerians are collaborating with foreigners to perpetrate illegal and unapproved mining activities noting that, those found culpable would have their licenses withdrawn.
Senator Ngu maintained that it remains an aberration for a country with abundant resources to be suffering in the midst of plenty adding that, activities of illegal miners had in no small measures contributed to the spate of insecurity being experienced across the country.
He declared that the federal government is currently looking beyond oil for rapid socioeconomic development and the only potent sector for now is the mining industry saying, the government would do every possible to protect the sector.
The Chairman of the committee thanked all stakeholders, who answered the invitation of the committee as well as committee members for their support stating that, the Senate would not be incapacitated by anyone towards sanitizing the mining sector of the economy.