The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has said the federal government is yet to recover a swooping debt of over N2 trillion from miners and operators in the country.
The minister, represented by the Acting Zonal Mines Officer, North-West Zonal Office, Kutman Hosea Ali, made these remarks while meeting with Licensed Minerals Holders and Laterite/Sand Operators Dealers in Kaduna State on Thursday.
According to Alake, the current administration led by President Tinubu is committed to stopping the operations of illegal miners throughout the country.
In addition, Alake stated that the purpose of the meeting was to detail the minister’s plans for the mining sector in 2024 and beyond.
He highlighted the importance of reenergizing the Special Mines Surveillance Taskforce (SMSTF) to combat illegal mining and secure the punctual payment of royalties and taxes.
The minister further outlined the structure of the SMSTF, which includes representatives from the Nigerian Army, Police, Civil Defence Corps, DSS, EFCC, and the Nigeria Immigration Service. Mines Officers are designated to lead operations at the state level.
