Enugu Govt. Calls On FG To Revoke Mining Licenses Of Private Companies

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The Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, has called on the Federal government to revoke mining licenses of private companies in the state and reward them to the State government.

Governor Ugwuanyi Made this known in a meeting with the Minister of Mining and Steel Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, who is in Enugu for a nationwide tour of mining asset.

The Governor told the Minister that Enugu State has the capacity to immediately commence mining operations because the companies have shown little or no interest in extracting the minerals.

“All the coal mines in Enugu have long been abandoned and become the dens of vandals, robber and other criminal element.

“The expanse of land granted to the defunct Nigerian Coal Cooperation were disposed off by BPE. These actions currently generates a great deal of restiveness among host communities which threatens a breakdown of law and order.

“It is for this reason and more that we are calling on the Federal Government to revoke and reward all the licenses or leases to the mining feats in Enugu to the State government,” the governor said.

Dr. Kayode who said he was in the state to look at the abandoned and disused coal mines and collaborate with the state in identifying best way to review progress, also told the governor that road map and funds have been set aside to ensure revitalization of the mines assets that are not privatised.

He said that the Federal Executive Council approved 30 billion Naira for mining operations and 150 million Dollars from the World Bank, all dedicated to improving on coal assets across the nation.