Ogun State Government has assured investors and other relevant stakeholders in the mining sector of its readiness in implementing different action plans aimed at creating an enabling environment for mining businesses to thrive.
The State Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Kikelomo Longe who gave the assurance during a stakeholders’ meeting in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, said that the present Prince Dapo Abiodun's administration had regularly engage miners for clear identification of challenges hindering the growth of mining business.
Longe added that the Ministry had partnered relevant agencies and resolved diverse issues raised during the stakeholders’ engagement held in March
She stated that conflicts between miners and members of Community Development Association in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area had been addressed and efforts intensified at curtailing activities of illegal miners in the State.
Her words,“In our move to strategically mitigate these problems, relevant Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) are a part of our engagements, so as to holistically review and offer appropriate lasting solutions to issues discussed. My Ministry assures you all of its commitment and unflinching support towards establishing an economically prosperous business environment through its policies”
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Industry, Trade and Investment, Chief Remi Ogunmefun disclosed that the Ministry would widen the scope of the engagement meeting to include operators and consultants in the banking sector, to get more ideas which would help in reforming the sector.
Ogunmefun stated that the government was working on establishing its Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO), that would further develop the mining sector, adding that the business-friendly laws in the State were aiding its growth and attracting more investors.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Olu. Ola. Aikulola also asked relevant stakeholders to join hands with the government in developing the sector, saying the Ministry had increased Geological Services Zonal Offices from 10 to 18 across the State, to tackle irregular and illegal mining.
Aikulola urged miners to take advantage of the Ogun State Government-Bank of Industry (OGSG-BOI) loan to boost their businesses, noting that the scheme is at a discounted seven percent interest rate, which is favourable for miners.
Speaking during the interactive session, Engr. Gbenga Animashaun of the Truck Owners Association of Nigeria appealed to the government to carry out palliative works on Kemta-Ajebo road in Abeokuta, to ease movement of miners and mining products, while Mr. Moshood Mansuur of Mining Product Dealers Association of Nigeria, Ogun State Chapter, called on the government to support local miners in the area of access to capital.
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