Agencies to establish joint technical committee to address environmental challenges across mining communities.
The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening its partnership with the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) to combat illegal mining, curb environmental degradation and promote sustainable environmental management across the state.
The Acting Director-General of the Oyo State Mineral Resources Development Agency (OYSMIDA), Mr. Taofeek Adeagbo, disclosed this while receiving a delegation from NESREA, led by the Oyo State Coordinator, Mr. Audu Mayowa, during a courtesy visit to the agency’s office in Ibadan.
Adeagbo stressed the need for stronger collaboration between the state government and relevant Federal Government agencies to address the growing environmental challenges posed by illegal mining activities in parts of the state.
He lamented that many illegal miners operate with little regard for environmental regulations, often claiming to possess Federal Government approvals without the knowledge or consent of the state government.
According to him, such activities have contributed significantly to environmental degradation in areas including the Lagos-Ibadan Quarry axis, Ido and other mining communities across the state.
He reaffirmed the Makinde administration’s readiness to partner with relevant stakeholders and regulatory agencies to implement lawful and practical measures aimed at protecting the environment and safeguarding residents.
Also speaking, the Director of Administration of OYSMIDA, Mr. Taofeek Atilola, said effective environmental governance requires close cooperation among government agencies at all levels.
He noted that improved coordination between the Federal and State Governments would help distinguish licensed operators from illegal miners and strengthen regulatory compliance within the mining sector.
Atilola further advocated expanded collaboration between NESREA and other relevant agencies, including the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, to enhance enforcement efforts and address environmental concerns arising from mining operations.
In his remarks, the Oyo State Coordinator of NESREA, Mr. Audu Mayowa, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to working closely with OYSMIDA to strengthen environmental protection and regulatory enforcement across the state.
He explained that NESREA is statutorily empowered to enforce compliance with environmental laws, regulations, policies, guidelines and standards, as well as monitor facilities to ensure environmental compliance.
Mayowa disclosed that both agencies would establish a joint technical committee to gather information from affected communities, identify environmental challenges and develop practical solutions to mitigate the adverse effects of illegal mining.
Highlighting environmental hazards observed during inspections of mining sites in Igbeti, Igbo-Ora and other parts of the country, he noted that many abandoned mining pits have become water-filled and now pose serious risks to residents, particularly children who often swim in them despite the possible presence of harmful chemicals.
He warned that the abandoned pits also present significant drowning hazards and underscored the need for sustained public awareness campaigns to educate residents on the dangers associated with abandoned mining sites.
Mayowa expressed optimism that the renewed partnership between NESREA and OYSMIDA would significantly enhance environmental protection efforts, curb illegal mining activities and promote a safer and healthier environment for the people of Oyo State.