The Oyo state government is to ensure a safe, orderly, and sustainable mining environment, director general of the Oyo State Mineral Development Agency (OYSMIDA), Mr Biodun Oni, said on Monday at a meeting with miners operating across Oyo state.
Oni said the meeting is to strengthen collaboration and promote responsible mining practices, with emphasis on the effective implementation of the Community Development Agreement (CDA) to ensure peaceful coexistence and sustainable development in host communities.
The director general noted that security concerns surrounding mining activities have brought the sector to the forefront of the state government’s agenda, adding that there is need for stronger cooperation among stakeholders to ensure a safe, orderly, and sustainable mining environment across the state.
He said the engagement also provided an opportunity to sensitise miners and other stakeholders on their roles and responsibilities in the effective implementation of the CDA, as well as compliance with the executive order guiding mineral development activities in Oyo state.
Oni stated that the state government is determined to prevent conflicts between miners and host communities, and that the state does not want situations where disagreements escalate into confrontations between operators and community members.
He pointed out that there is the need for synergy among all stakeholders, adding that miners, community leaders, and relevant government agencies must work together to maintain peace and order.
The director general stated that understanding and respecting clearly defined roles and responsibilities will help create a more sustainable and productive mining sector in Oyo state.
The OYSMIDA general manager, Mrs. Olufunke Omidiran, highlighted the importance of the Community Development Agreement (CDA), saying that it is a key framework designed to ensure that mining activities benefit host communities.