A prominent lawyer and politician, Niyi Akintola, has criticized the federal government for issuing licenses to foreigners to exploit the mineral resources in Nigeria without the consent of the state and local authorities.
Akintola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former Deputy Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, made the statement in an interview with Channels TV on Friday.
He said he was concerned about the future of the country and the impact of illegal mining on the environment and the people.
“My primary concern is about the future of this country. Because I don’t see any wisdom in somebody sitting in Abuja to issue licenses to foreigners to enter into this country, gave them orders to come around and exploit our mineral resources. Without the knowledge of the governor of the state, without the knowledge of the local government chairman, without the knowledge of the ward chairman. To me, it is madness,” he said.
He also expressed his displeasure over the absence of the Minister of Solid Mineral Resources, who has not visited Ibadan three days after a massive explosion rocked the city, killing five people and injuring 77 others.
The explosion, which occurred on Tuesday night, was caused by explosives stored by illegal miners in a residential area.
“As we speak now, the minister of Solid Mineral Resources has not been here in Ibadan 3 days after the explosion. Look at the magnitude of disaster here. Somebody will sit down in Abuja to issue all those licenses and approvals without the knowledge of the governors. The governors are frustrated, they are not in charge when it comes to the issue of solid minerals,” he said.
Akintola called for a review of the mining laws and regulations in the country and urged the federal government to involve the state and local governments in the management of the mineral resources.
He also appealed to the government to provide relief and compensation to the victims of the explosion and their families.
Peoplesmind
