Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has inaugurated a committee to address illegal mining across the state.

Mr Eno, while inaugurating the committee at the Government House in Uyo on Wednesday, announced that the committee would be chaired by the Commissioner for Environment and Mineral Resources, Nsikak Ekong.

He frowned at the rise in illegal mining activities in the state particularly across the coastlines.

The governor noted that the composition of the committee was all encompassing, to ensure effective service delivery.

He said, “The Ministry of Environment cannot do this alone. They need the collaboration of all of us, and we need to back it up with a law. If we do not checkmate this menace, there could be an influx of people that could pose a security threat to our state. That is why we are taking it seriously. We want to know the miners in this state, their profile, the type of minerals they are mining and who they pay tax to. Let me sound a note of warning, if we find anyone involved in encouraging illegal mining in our state, we will severely deal with the person accordingly.’’

Mr Eno charged local government council chairmen to take charge of their respective areas as the chief executive officers of their local councils.

He stated, “So, please do not tolerate any illegality, bring it up early to our attention, and let us address it.’’

The governor urged the committee to hit the ground running and directed that they should submit a monthly report on their activities.

Meanwhile, Mr Eno bemoaned the situation in Ibeno where land sold to a company was used as a dump for some hazardous waste.

The governor directed the Commissioner for Lands to investigate and revoke land procured by oil and gas servicing companies without government approval.

Members of the committee include the state Commissioners for Special Duties, Emem Bob, Commissioner for Transport, Anthony Udoh, Internal Security, Gen. Koko Essien (retd), and the Attorney General/Commissioner for Justice, Justice Uko Essien (SAN).

Others include the state Commissioner for Police, Baba Azare, Chairman of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Uwemedimo Udo and Local Government chairmen of the coastal areas.

(NAN)