President Muhammadu Buhari has said the Federal Government will not tolerate activities of illegal miners in the county.
The president warned that the Federal Government will come down hard on illegal mining and other improper activities inhibiting the growth of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.
Buhari issued the warning after receiving a briefing from top officials of the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development led by Permanent Secretary, Baba Umar Farouk.
Senior Special Assistant to the president on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, confirmed the development.
He said the president noted that the mines and steel sector was very important for diversification of the economy, and expressed displeasure at Farouk’s report that the sector had been overrun by illegal miners.
“This is one of the most demoralising briefs I have received. The biggest threat to this country besides the Boko Haram is unemployment and the mining sector is key to employment creation.
“We cannot be held back on such strategic industry that can give us much needed jobs and promote economic growth.
“There must be more seriousness in running this country and we are determined to instill that seriousness,” the president said.
The permanent secretary had told the President that Nigeria’s mining sector has been infiltrated by illegal aliens who carry out unlawful mining activities in the country.
