Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has officially inaugurated a taskforce to tackle the rising menace of illegal mining activities across the state, signaling a determined effort by his administration to protect the environment and promote sustainable development.

The ceremony, held on Tuesday, highlighted the government’s commitment to curbing the adverse effects of unregulated mining, which have been linked to environmental degradation, security concerns, and economic losses.

The newly constituted State Committee on Combating Illegal Mining is led by Rt. Hon. Nsikak Ekong, the Commissioner for Environment, and includes commissioners from Finance, Transport, Internal Security, and Justice.

Also part of the taskforce are the Honourary Special Adviser on Security, the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), and chairmen from coastal local government areas, ensuring a broad and coordinated approach to enforcement.

Governor Eno stressed the importance of addressing illegal mining, noting that the activities not only harm the environment but also undermine the state’s economic potential.

“Illegal mining deprives our communities of their rightful benefits, endangers our environment, and creates security challenges that we cannot ignore,” he said.

The taskforce is charged with monitoring and regulating all mineral resource activities, enforcing compliance with state mining regulations, and halting illicit operations. The move follows previous enforcement efforts, including the 2024 arrest of five Chinese nationals by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for illegal mining in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area, demonstrating the state’s growing determination to dismantle illegal mining networks.

Beyond environmental protection, the Governor’s administration has also approved 357 development projects across various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) for qualified youths and companies. These projects, awarded through the state procurement portal, reflect the government’s dedication to youth empowerment, economic development, and infrastructure growth.

Governor Eno’s initiative aligns with the broader goals of the ARISE Agenda, emphasizing sustainable development, responsible resource management, and the welfare of citizens.

The inauguration of the taskforce marks a significant step toward ensuring that Akwa Ibom’s mineral wealth is protected, legally managed, and leveraged for the benefit of the state and its people.