Kaduna, Feb. 1, 2024 -The Federal Government is yet to recover over N2 trillion unpaid royalties from miners and operators in the country.
Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, said this on Thursday at a meeting with Licensed Minerals Holders and Laterite/Sand Operators Dealers in Kaduna State.
He was represented by Kutman Hosea Ali, the Acting Zonal Mines Officer, North-West Zonal Office.
Alake said the current administration was bent on stopping operations of illegal miners in the country.
“Miners and Operators owed the federal government more than N2 trillion while in Kaduna State, it’s over N300 billion.
“We have made it very clear that in Kaduna State, every operator should make bold steps and clear their debt,” the minister said.
He said the purpose of the meeting was to detail the minister’s plans for the mining sector in 2024 and beyond.
He also highlighted the importance of reenergizing the Special Mines Surveillance Taskforce (SMSTF) to combat illegal mining and secure the punctual payment of royalties and taxes.
“Let me clarify it, state government and local government are entitled to collect other taxes such as ground rent and other taxes, but they are not to collect royalty and tax on mining.
“Any state government or any local government that collects money in the name of Royalty or Mineral Tax will be deducted from the source allocated to the State.
“The Special Mines Taskforce has been activated in Kaduna State and they had commenced operation on the war against illegal Mining and nonpayment of royalties which must be paid monthly as well as other taxes to the Government of Nigeria,” Alake added.
Ado Dogo, the state Chairman of the Miners Association of Nigeria, commended the minister for organizing the meeting, which he said, was important to resolve current challenges. (GBN)
