Kogi delegate calls for establishment of solid mineral commission

Stories by Emeka Nze

A delegate from Kogi state, Hajiya Miriam Ladi Ibrahim has called for the establishment of what she referred to as the Solid Mineral Producing Areas Development Commission (SOMPADEC).
She said the Environmental Committee of the National Conference had produced a good report to be examined at the conference but it did not mention the solid mineral sector.

She told Blueprint that about 34 states in the country are blessed with solid mineral which is left in the hands of illegal miners.
She said the Okaba gold mine in Kogi state has left very big gullies while pollution by the Dangote cement factory poses serious health challenges in some communities in the state.
Hajiya Miriam also called for the dredging of the River Niger in order to boost water transportation in the country.
She said government should not concentrate on only oil and gas alone but vigorously explore the opportunity provided by the solid minerals.
She also called for collaboration between federal and state governments on the management of water that passes through the states from the neighbouring countries.

She said without adequate water management, most of the dams might dry up like Lake Chad.
According to her, Kogi state is richly blessed with numerous mineral resources such as limestone in large quantity to accommodate up to four cement factories.