Taraba Governor Claims Some Officials Support Illegal Mining

Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas has claimed that some government and security officials are helping illegal mining in the state.

Mr Kefas made this claim on Saturday during a meeting with small-scale and artisanal miners in Jalingo. He promised to break down the network behind these illegal activities.

He said his government would tighten rules in the mining sector. He wants to make sure that the state’s mineral resources are not misused.

The governor pointed out that the issue goes beyond miners working without licenses. He alleged that some government and security personnel have joined the network that supports illegal mining.

“We have more illegal mining inside than those outside,” Mr Kefas said.

He stressed that his administration is focused on understanding how these illegal operations work. They plan to disrupt it by improving coordination between security agencies, mining regulators, and mining communities.

Mr Kefas said the government would set up a system that allows honest miners to work legally. This system will also help authorities spot and deal with those misusing the state’s mineral resources.

He mentioned that registered miners would work in designated areas. Mineral buyers would be encouraged to purchase from regulated sites to improve tracking and government oversight.

According to him, this approach would help security agencies get better information about mining activities. It will also help authorities tell the difference between genuine artisanal miners and illegal operators.

The governor asked the miners’ association to provide a full list of equipment its members need, along with cost estimates. He said the government would look into funding support to help acquire and provide this equipment at approved mining sites.

He also directed the collection of accurate data on miners, their communities, villages, locations, and operations. He believes that reliable information is key for effective regulation and protection of honest miners.

Mr Kefas noted that the state government is working to replace unsafe mining and processing methods with safer technologies. This includes reducing the use of mercury in gold processing.

He stated that the economic benefits of the state’s mineral resources cannot justify methods that expose miners and their communities to dangerous substances.

“Government will work with mining stakeholders across the state to set practical environmental and health standards for our people,” he said.

The governor mentioned that the planned reforms will need cooperation from the state government, federal mining authorities, security agencies, banks, miners’ associations, and local communities.

He instructed stakeholders to start working on the details for the new framework immediately. He insisted that these reforms must protect honest livelihoods while ensuring that Taraba’s mineral resources are well-regulated and help the state develop.