Deborah BodundeDele Alake, minister of solid minerals development, has inaugurated an eight-member panel to investigate the dispute between the Osun state government and Segilola Resources Operating Limited .
The minister highlighted the federal government’s recognition of the unique challenges in the mining sector and reiterated its commitment to collaborating with sub-nationals.He said state governments are allowed to apply for mining licenses and can utilise their representatives in the mineral resources and environmental management committee to oversee mining activities.
“Out of the eight members that constitute MIREMCO in each state, five , including the chairman, are nominated by state governments; hence, states are already substantially involved in the regulation of mining activities. Thus, there should be no reason for constitutional violations.”