The Federal Government has banned the mining of white sand used for building construction, clay, caolin, limestone and granite.
It warned that anyone caught mining these resources illegally would be prosecuted.
Speaking at a briefing by the Akwa Ibom State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development at the Command’s State headquarters, Uyo, State, its Commandant, Mr. Emmanuel Ojeniyi, said the Commandant-General of NSCDC directed all state commands to work with the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development to ensure that all sources of income of the Federal Government were protected.
He said the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi had directed the NSCDC to secure the officers of the Ministry on duty, arrest and prosecute anyone caught extracting solid minerals wthout a licence.
Ojeniyi advised those who need a licence to register with the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development.
“It is our duty henceforth and as directed by the Minister to arrest, prosecute and fine anyone caught who deal in Solid minerals anywhere in the country without licence from the Ministry.
“In every state Command of NSCDC, a department headed by an Assistant Commandant has been created and charged with the responsibility of ensuring there is no issue of illegal exploitation of solid minerals in the country,” he said.
He said the NSCDC Commandant has succeeded in securing petroleum pipelines, electricity poles, among others, adding that it was working with the Army, Navy, the Police and other security agencies to provide security.
The officer in charge of the new department in Akwa Ibom State, Assistant Commandant Ime Udofia White pledged to work with the state Ministry of Works to stop contractors who deal illegally with these minerals to be licensed by the Federal Ministry of Solid minerals Development. The Nation
