Federal confronts Osun over closure of mining firm, sets up probe panel

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development Dele Alake on Wednesday inaugurated an eight-member panel to investigate the circumstances surrounding the sealing off of Segilola Resources Operating Limited.

This was in a bid to address the escalating dispute between the Osun State Government and the gold mining company.

The dispute began when the Osun State Government shut down SROL’s operations over alleged tax evasion and other infractions. Alake, in a press statement, emphasized that sub-nationals lack the authority to independently disrupt mining operations nationwide, as mining falls under the exclusive legislative list.

“It is our firm belief that sub-national authorities do not possess the power to arbitrarily shut down mining operations,” Alake stated. “Mining companies must obey all laws and regulations guiding their operations, such as payment of taxes, environmental regulations, and corporate social responsibility.”

Key Committee Members of the eight-member panel

– Imam Ganiyu: Director, Mines Inspectorate of the Ministry (Chairman)

– Dele Oye: Representative of NACCIMA (Vice-Chairman)

READ ALSO: Alake confronts state govts, warns against closure of mining sites

– Pwol Dareng: Assistant Director, Organised Private Sector (OPS) of the Ministry (Secretary)

– Vivian Okono: Director of Mines Environmental Compliance (MEC)

– N.C. Odili: Director of Legal

– Tayo Koleosho: Representative of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS)

– Zubeir S. Abubakar: Representative of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC)

Terms of Reference:

– Identify the root causes of the dispute between the Osun Government and SROL

– Review contractual obligations and agreements between both parties

– Assess the impact of SROL’s operations on host communities

Alake reiterated the federal government’s commitment to collaborating with sub-nationals, noting that state governments can apply for mining licenses and utilize their representatives in the Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO) to oversee mining activities.

“MIREMCO exists in all states of the federation, and they are charged with ensuring compliance of mining companies with extant regulations and laws,” Alake explained.

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