GOV ENO INAUGURATES COMMITTEE TO COMBAT ILLEGAL MINING IN AKWA IBOM

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has inaugurated a committee to combat illegal mining across the State with the Commissioner for Environment and Mineral Resources, as Chairman.

The Governor inaugurated the Committee, August 19, 2025, at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Uyo, shortly before a meeting of the State Executive Council.

The Governor who frowned at the rise of illegal mining activities in the State particularly across the coastlines, said there was need for the committee to check the ugly trend.

He noted that the composition of the committee was large, and all encompassing, to ensure effective delivery.

“The Ministry of Environment cannot do this alone. They need the collaboration of all of us, and we need to back it up with a law.

“If we do not checkmate this menace, there could be an influx of people that could be security threats to our State. That’s why we are taking it very serious. We want to know who are the miners in this State, what is their profile, what type of minerals are they mining and who do they pay tax to?

“Let me sound a note of warning. If we find anyone illegally involved in encouraging illegal mining in our State, we would severely deal with the person accordingly. Local Government Chairmen, take charge of your respective areas. You are the Chief Executive Officers of the local governments. So, please do not tolerate any illegality, bring it up early to our attention, and let us address it,” he said.

Governor Eno made reference to an ugly situation in Ibeno where land sold to a company was used as dump site for some hazardous waste, and directed the Commissioner for Lands to investigate and revoke all land procured by oil and gas servicing companies without government approval.

He urged the committee to hit the ground running and ensure that it presents a monthly report.

Members of the committee include the State Commissioners for Special Duties, Transport, Internal Security, Attorney General/Commissioner for Justice, Commissioner of Police, Honorary Special Adviser on Security, Chairman of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), and Local Government Chairmen of the coastal areas.