A mining company, Capital Apex Synergy Global Services Limited, has said activities of illegal miners are hindering the development of the sector.

An engineer with the company, Olurotimi Ogunnaike, said this at a news conference in Abuja.

According to him, illegal mining is one of the major challenges facing the sector as well as its contribution to national development.

Mr Ogunnaike, “I urge the Federal Government to as a matter of urgency address the activities of illegal miners in the country. It is important to ensure that all companies operating in Nigeria possess the requisite documentation, including proper documentation from the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and the ministry of solid minerals development. This will help to identify illegal mining companies operating in the country.’’

He, however, denied allegations that the company was carrying out illegal mining activity in Nasarawa State, saying that Capital Apex Synergy was rather affected by activities of illegal miners.

He stated, “We are law-abiding citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who are honestly seeking development for the country in line with the president’s economic reforms by bringing investors into the country. I want to reiterate that the allegations that we are mining illegally are false.’’

The company’s Public Relations Officer, Aliyu Danlandi, speaking earlier also described the allegations of illegal mining activities against the company as an attempt to tarnish the image of Capital Apex Synergy.

Mr Danlandi said that Capital Apex Synergy, working partnership with Nizhong Mining Company Limited, properly registered by young Nigerians possessed all the legal documents from the national and state level before mobilising to site in Nasarawa State.

“Let me state unequivocally that Capital Apex Synergy Services operates strictly within bounds of law, contrary to the allegations by May Day A Global Ventures. We possess all the necessary and valid mining documents, licences and permits required by regulatory authorities. Our operations are transparent and fully in compliance with legal requirements,’’ he said

Mr Danlandi, however, said that since the company mobilised to site located in Rafin Gabbas, Agwada Town, Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, it had not been able to commence any mining activity due to unlawful encroachment on its mining sites.

He said that Capital Apex Synergy submitted petitions with substantial evidence of encouragement to relevant authorities including MDAs and security agencies, both at the state and federal level.

Mr Danlandi urged President Bola Tinubu, in line with his economic policies and passion for the youth and attracting foreign investors, to intervene in the matter.

“We as young Nigerians, were able to attract foreign investors, create employment for the youth, but our effort is being sabotaged,’’ he said.

(NAN)