Mineral resources shouldn’t be curse for Nigerians — Onoja

The Commander of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC Mining Marshals, John Onoja, has said that the country’s mineral resources should not be a curse but a blessing.

He made the statement on Thursday during a visit to Kogi State.

Onoja, while conveying the message of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, and the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, urged the people of Ankpa, Kogi State, to embrace legitimate mining by partnering only with duly licensed mining companies.

He advised host communities across Nigeria to take advantage of the Federal Government’s regulatory framework by reporting any licensed mining company that fails to comply with its Community Development Agreement, CDA.

“The mineral resources with which Ankpa has been blessed should not become a curse to the people. Following our engagement with the traditional council, anyone who continues to engage in illegal mining will be sanctioned in accordance with the provisions of the law,” he said.