The Oyo State Government has inaugurated a Joint Task Force on illegal mining to enforce Executive Order 001/2023, marking a determined effort to clamp down on unauthorised mining activities, enforce regulatory compliance, and safeguard host communities.
The launch, held across multiple locations including Babaaro, Igbeti, and Iseyin City Hall, brought together government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders, and security agencies in a show of unified commitment to sustainable resource management and environmental protection.
Speaking at the inauguration, the Director-General of the Oyo State Mineral Development Agency (OYSMIDA), Mr Abiodun Oni, declared the state’s zero-tolerance stance towards illegal mining.
“The Joint Task Force is here to stay. Anyone found engaging in illegal mining will face the full force of the law,” he said, commending Governor Seyi Makinde’s leadership and dedication to the protection of Oyo State’s natural resources.
Mr Oni urged residents to be vigilant and report suspicious activities, adding: “If you see something, say something. The government is also supporting communities by providing amenities, including boreholes, to demonstrate our commitment.”
Mrs Olufunke Omidiran, General Manager of OYSMIDA, described the initiative as a strategic response to the growing threat of illegal mining, aimed at promoting sustainable practices and protecting the environment.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Migrant and Homeland Security, retired Assistant Comptroller General Segun Adegoke, highlighted the link between illegal mining and wider security challenges such as banditry and kidnapping.
He noted, “This Joint Task Force comprises all constitutionally recognised security agencies, including the Amotekun Corps. The state is confronting this issue decisively.”
As part of wider enforcement efforts, the state has begun implementing Executive Order 001/2023, which mandates that miners and host communities must sign Consent Letters and Community Development Agreements (CDAs) as required under the Nigerian Mining Act.
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At a stakeholders’ meeting in Iseyin, Mr Oni reaffirmed that the directive is designed to protect mining communities by clearly outlining the obligations of all parties, particularly traditional authorities.
He observed that progress had been hindered by insufficient cooperation from some stakeholders and stressed that the meeting served to re-emphasise responsibilities and eliminate claims of ignorance.
To aid grassroots implementation, traditional rulers and local government officials appointed His Royal Majesty, the Olu of Igboora, Oba Jimoh Olajide Titiloye, and Hon. Kazeem Olayanju, Vice Chairman of ALGON and Chairman of Olorunsogo Local Government, as key coordinators.
Oba Titiloye affirmed the readiness of traditional institutions to support the initiative, while Hon. Olayanju insisted that host communities must benefit from mining operations, despite mining being a federal matter.
“Miners must register with the state and sign Community Development Agreements before receiving community consent,” he stated.
Security representatives from Operation Burst, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Old Oyo National Park, and the Zonal Mining Office also urged the new Task Force to prioritise intelligence gathering and maintain vigilance in enforcement activities.
