Worried by the devastating effects of the activities of illegal miners on the socio-economic development of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Director, Department of Solid Minerals and Allied Matters in the FCT Administration; Engr. Omoniyi Olaloye, has advocated for a strong synergy between the Department and stakeholders including the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA).
The Director said the cooporation between the Department and stakeholders would ensure that the activities of illegal miners operating in the Nation’s Capital are curtailed.
The Director stated this when the Department paid a courtesy visit on the Executive Secretary FCDA, Engr. Shehu Hadi-Ahmad, in his office.
Olaloye, who commended the management of FCDA for overseeing the activities of solid minerals and miners in FCT before the establishment of the Department, acknowledged the efforts of the Executive Secretary in tackling the activities of unauthorized miners.
His words: “Your gracious disposition towards nurturing, funding and promoting the activities of Solid Minerals provided the administrative base that was deployed to the new Department. History will be kind to you when issues concerning the new Department are discussed by future generations”.
Olaloye, therefore, sought the collaboration, synergy, and support of the FCDA management in moving the new Department forward.
He acknowledged and appreciated the efforts of the leadership of the FCT Administration, especially the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olusade Adesola, for his unflinching support to the Department.
The Director revealed that before the establishment of the Department of Solid Minerals and Allied Matters in the FCT, the Engineering Services Department through the Geology specialized Division was handling mining and quarry matters as well as other challenges relating to the development of the solid minerals sector in FCT.
In his response, the Executive Secretary of FCDA congratulated the newly established department and his pioneering staff, particularly the Director Engr. Omoniyi Olaloye, as the captain to take off the mandate of the department.
He said the issue of illegal mining in the FCT has become a serious challenge and a threat to the peace and development of the Territory.
The Executive Secretary said the acts of unauthorized miners must be tackled frontally.
Abuja Digest reports that the FCT Administration had only last year established the Department of Solid Minerals and Allied matters with a mandate to handle all mining-related affairs.
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