MAN Raises Alarm Over Illegal Mining in Akwa Ibom
The Chairman of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, Mr Iyakise Udofia, has raised the alarm over the rising illegal mining activities across the state.
The association warned that the situation poses a serious threat to economic stability, environmental sustainability, and federal reform efforts in the solid minerals sector.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with The Guardian, Udofia noted that while some progress has been made in regulating the sector, illegal operators continue to dominate mining activities in several parts of the state.
He also lamented that Akwa Ibom state still grapples with widespread illegal mining despite government intervention. He commended the proactive stance of the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr Dele Alake, but stressed that results on the ground have been slow due to longstanding challenges.
Udofia said: “The Mining Marshals are strictly enforcement agents. The regulatory responsibility lies with the Mines Inspectorate, which operates in different states. In that regard, we have been engaging with the appropriate authorities. We’ve submitted referrals and petitions to the minister, and I can confirm that he is actively working on them.
“environmental time bomb.”
The report, titled, “Mining Practices in Ezillo and Ikwo Communities of Ebonyi State: An Environmental Time Bomb,” was unveiled by the Community Development Advocacy Foundation (CODAF), at a high-level global briefing convened by the Environmental Defenders Network (EDEN), Renevelyn Development Initiative (RDI), and Africa Just Transition Network (AJTN).
According to CODAF’s Director of Campaigns and Administration, Maimoni Ubrei-Joe, the report is a wake-up call to end the “structured impunity” enabling mining operations that devastate local communities.
