Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has assured stakeholders that his administration’s mining reforms are not intended to target or witch hunt any individual or business. Instead, he emphasized that the reforms aim to ensure fair practices and the protection of all stakeholders, including businesses, host communities, and the state government.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ forum in Osogbo, Governor Adeleke, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, addressed concerns about the ongoing legal and policy challenges in the mining sector. He acknowledged the complex interactions between state, federal, and community rights in the mining industry.
The governor clarified that the main goal of the mining reforms was to prevent the exploitation and unfair treatment of the people of Osun State. He stressed that the state’s aim was to ensure that the benefits of its natural resources directly impacted its citizens. “We desire that our people and state should feel the impact of their God-given resources,” he said.
Adeleke also pointed out the challenges in the country’s federal system, which complicates governance in the mining sector. He called for clearer delineation of responsibilities between state and federal authorities to address these issues effectively. While praising the coordination by the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals, he highlighted the need for continued efforts to resolve these challenges.
The governor reaffirmed Osun State’s support for business development but reiterated that it would not tolerate any exploitation or denial of the state and its people’s rightful share of resources from mining activities.
