IMO: Court Strikes Out Restriction On Mining Sites As Federal Ministry Okays Return To Business

The Imo State Commissioner for Industry, Mines and Solid Minerals is Barr. Ernest Ibejiako is been quite active in addressing challenges facing the mining sector in Imo State, Nigeria as captured in this report by 9News Nigeria.

IMO: An appellate court sitting in Owerri Imo State has quashed restrictions placed on dredging sites in Imo state by the state environment and mines commissioner.

The order was issued to dredgers after warning reports by ministry of environment on the state of degradation and indications on possible disaster caused by illegal mining of sand and gravel across rivers and empty lands came to public domain.

Meanwhile, Imo mining commissioner, has presented samples of degradation via drone videos recorded by his ministry and asked sand and gravel miners to stop work pending approval from the state government.

In the same vein, FG has sent delegation to Imo State to ascertain the level of degradation damages as claimed and also confirmed the position of operational license issued to various dredgers operating in Imo state.

The present situation is confusing and highly worrisome as minable sites are approved to continue operation while mine out sites are asked to stop work immediately as 9News Nigeria reports.

The bedevilling issue now in the state is, who’s order surpasses the other and which sites are approved for mining in Imo ?

The next question is, can state ministry of mines be opposed by the Federal ministry of mines against the internal degradation caused by illegal dredging in a state like Imo.

At the time of filling this report by 9News Nigeria Owerri, the FG delegation has departed from the state after series of meetings with both the state commissioner and miner’s union in Owerri.

At some sites visited, sand loaders wooed the commissioner at his inspection tour with the FG delegation at some sites visited where the loaders protested the closure of dredging in Imo.

However, the Imo State Commissioner for Industry, Mines and Solid Minerals is Barr. Ernest Ibejiako. He’s been quite active in addressing challenges facing the mining sector in Imo State, Nigeria.

Key Initiatives and Focus Areas

• Repositioning the Mining Sector: Commissioner Ibejiako has pledged to restore sanity and tackle challenges in Imo’s mining industry, emphasizing cooperation among stakeholders.
• Environmental Concerns: He’s acknowledged significant environmental degradation caused by unregulated mining activities, highlighting the need for responsible mining practices.
• Combating Illegal Mining: The commissioner, along with the Imo State House of Assembly, is working to curb illegal mining, with support from legislative bodies.
• Revenue Generation: There’s collaboration with the Imo State Internal Revenue Service to boost revenue from mining activities.
• Designated Mining Areas: Efforts are underway to establish specific mining zones, like a proposed mining bay near Mgbirichi, to regulate operations.⁴

Challenges

• Environmental Impact: Unregulated mining has led to land degradation, affecting ecosystems and communities.
• Community Concerns: There have been allegations of land grabbing and disputes involving Commissioner Ibejiako and local communities.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring miners adhere to environmental standards and regulations remains a challenge.

More details will be made available by our media team , as our esteemed readers and followers are expected to send in their reactions below.

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