Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has inaugurated a committee to combat illegal mining across the State, with the Commissioner for Environment and Mineral Resources serving as Chairman.
The Governor inaugurated the Committee on August 19, 2025, at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Uyo, shortly before a meeting of the State Executive Council.
Governor Eno, who frowned at the rise of illegal mining activities in the state, particularly across the coastlines, said there was a need for the committee to check the ugly trend.
He noted that the composition of the committee was large and all-encompassing to ensure effective delivery.
“The Ministry of Environment cannot do this alone. They need the collaboration of all of us, and we need to back it up with a law.
“If we do not checkmate this menace, there could be an influx of people who could be security threats to our state. That’s why we are taking it very seriously. We want to know who the miners in this state are, what their profile is, what type of minerals they are mining, and to whom they pay tax.
“Let me sound a note of warning. If we find anyone illegally involved in encouraging illegal mining in our State, we will severely deal with the person accordingly. Local Government Chairmen, take charge of your respective areas. You are the Chief Executive Officers of the local governments. So, please do not tolerate any illegality; bring it up early to our attention, and let us address it,” he said.
Read Also: Marine Police Arrest 2 Suspects For Illegal Oil Bunkering In Akwa Ibom
Governor Eno referred to an ugly situation in Ibeno where land sold to a company was used as a dump site for some hazardous waste and directed the Commissioner for Lands to investigate and revoke all land procured by oil and gas servicing companies without government approval.
He urged the committee to hit the ground running and ensure that it presents a monthly report.
Members of the committee include the State Commissioners for Special Duties, Transport, Internal Security, the Attorney General/Commissioner for Justice, the Commissioner of Police, the Honorary Special Adviser on Security, the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), and the Local Government Chairmen of the coastal areas.
