The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has disclosed that miners and operators owe the federal government more than N2 trillion.
He however noted that in Kaduna State, over N300 billion is owed.
Speaking yesterday in Kaduna during a meeting with Licensed Minerals Holders, Laterite/Sand Operators Dealers, the minister who was represented by the Acting Zonal Mines Officer, North-West Zonal Office of the ministry, Kutman Hosea Ali said the current administration of President Bola Tinubu is determined to halt the activities of illegal miners across the country.
While describing the activities of illegal miners as a huge crime against Nigeria and Nigerians, which he said is unacceptable, he added, “We have made it very clear that in Kaduna State, every operator should make bold steps and clear their debt.”
The minister then directed the Special Mines Taskforce to be activated in Kaduna to clamp down on illegal miners and nonpayment of royalties, which must be paid on a monthly basis as well as other taxes to the government of Nigeria.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Kaduna branch, Ado Dogo who was represented by the Secretary of the association, Kashim Hussaini said the interface between miners and the regulators is imperative as it will afford them the opportunity to brainstorm towards addressing some challenges bedevilling the mining sector of the economy.
