The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake has asked miners and operators to clear their debt to the federal government.
He revealed that the miners owe the FG more than N2 Trillion.
The minister, who was actively represented by the Acting Zonal Mines Officer, North-West Zonal Office, Kutman Hosea Ali, made this statement during a meeting with Licensed Minerals Holders, Laterite/Sand Operators Dealers in Kaduna State on Thursday.
Alake branded illicit miners’ operations as a massive crime against Nigeria and Nigerians, which he considered intolerable.
He stated that the meeting’s objective was to announce the ministry’s plans for miners and operators in 2024 and beyond.
He said, “Miners and Operators owed the federal government more than N2trn” while “in Kaduna State, it’s over N300bn. We have made it very clear that in Kaduna State, every operator should make bold steps and clear their debt,”
“The Special Mines Taskforce has been activated in Kaduna State and they had commenced operation on the war against illegal Mining and nonpayment of royalties which must be paid monthly as well as other taxes to the Government of Nigeria,”
This comes as the minister emphasizes that the current administration of President Bola Tinubu is resolved to put an end to the operations of illegal miners across the country.
He also criticized states for failing to submit money received as royalties and taxes on mineral resources to the federal government, warning that defaulting states would face penalties in the future.
