Nigeria Will No Longer Tolerate Illegal Mining - Buhari

President Buhari has warned that the FG can now not tolerate criminal mining and different improper activities that deter the expansion of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.

The president gave the warning on illegal mining and activities that would deter the growth of Nigeria solid mineral sector. While receiving a rendezvous from high officers of the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, championed by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Umar Farouk, the president, noted that the mines and steel sector was vital for the diversification of the economy, expressed vexation at Farouk’s report that the sector had been overrun by criminal miners.

The Permanent Secretary stated that Nigeria’s mining sector had been infiltrated by “illegal aliens” who meted out unlawful mining activities within the country.

“This is one of the most demoralizing 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 a 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,” said the President.