The Lagos State Government has threatened to arrest and prosecute miners who violate safety operation guidelines and regulations of the state.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Mineral Resources, Abiola Olowu, said this on Friday during a meeting with the Lagos State Dredgers’ and Miners’ Association in Alausa Ikeja.
According to a statement signed by the Deputy Director, Public Affairs Unit of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Adetola Idowu, Olowu reiterated the state’s commitment to safe and sustain mineral resource management
She said, “We recognise the significant role mineral resources play in Lagos State’s economy. However, it is our responsibility to ensure their extraction and utilisation prioritise environmental sustainability and the well-being of our communities. Violators to these guidelines will be arrested and prosecuted.
“There are key operational guidelines designed to ensure safety and environmental sustainability in haulage operations. These outlines will include mandatory use of tarpaulin covers on loaded haulage trucks, prohibition of carrying wet sand, ensuring sand is properly covered before leaving sites, avoidance of overloading trucks and display of operational rules and regulations at haulage truck garages.
“This initiative underscores the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration’s unwavering commitment to promoting safe and sustainable mineral resource management practices, and ensure that haulage operations in Lagos State are environmentally friendly, responsible, and beneficial to all stakeholders.”
The ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Abiola Kosegbe, who was represented by the Director of Admin and Human Resources, Mrs Olabisi Akinpelu, also emphasised the need for miners and haulers to comply with legal and environmental best practices.
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