Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has assured that his administration is not focused on targeting individuals or businesses involved in mining in the state.
Instead, he reiterated that his government is dedicated to ensuring fair and ethical practices in the sector.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ forum in Osogbo on the 18th of December, 2024, the governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, addressed the ongoing legal and policy complexities within Nigeria’s federal structure.
He noted the frequent clashes between state, federal, and community rights, particularly in the mining sector.
Governor Adeleke stressed that the state’s mining reforms are not aimed at persecuting any specific group, but rather ensuring the protection of all stakeholders including businesses, host communities, and the state government.
“Our primary focus is to prevent exploitation and ensure our people are not cheated,” he asserted, adding, “We want our people and our state to truly benefit from their God-given resources.”
He called for a clearer demarcation of responsibilities between state and federal authorities to resolve the sector’s ongoing challenges, while acknowledging the regulatory efforts of the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals.
“We are all aware of the policy and legal complexities tied to our federalism,” the governor remarked. “The struggle to navigate these issues, particularly in the solid minerals sector, is still underway.”
While emphasizing Osun’s business-friendly approach, Governor Adeleke made it clear that while the state supports business growth, it will not tolerate any attempt to shortchange its people or deny them their rightful share of the mining industry.