He said that the restitution varied depending on the category of licence revoked.
“I want to commend the governor for taking the bull by the horns.’’
The Oyo State governor said that the state was on the verge of establishing a state-owned mining corporation.
The minister announced the suspension pending investigations into suspected illegal mining activities in OAU and its environs.
He lamented the undue pressure African governments faced from loan marketers.
Mr Alake said mineral exploration initiated by the federal government identified locations with lithium deposits in commercial quantities.
“With the cooperation of Nigerians, the tide will turn very soon, and we all will be proud,” he said.
A government that dislikes accountability and transparency has no interest in curbing corruption among its ranks and files.
Nigeria and the U.S. have established a joint working group to chart modalities for mining development.
The federal government threatened to take decisive action against illegal miners across the country.
