The Imo State House of Assembly has pledged its support to the Ministry of Industry, Mines and Solid Minerals to put an end to illegal mining activities in the state.
It also promised to help strengthen the sector and enhance its proficiency through legislative support.
The commitment was made when the Assembly’s Committee on Commerce and Industry interfaced with officials of the Ministry of Industry, Mines and Solid Minerals, led by the commissioner of the ministry, Ernest Ibejiako.
During the interaction that took place at the Assembly complex, the chairman of the Committee on Commerce and Industry, and member representing Ikeduru state constituency, Johnleoba Iheoha, explained the need to reposition the sector to meet the demands of time, in line with the vision of the state government.
Iheoha, while appreciating the officials of the ministry for the visit, asserted that their invitation was part of the oversight function of the committee as empowered by the constitution.
“The Nigerian Constitution empowered the committee to do oversight on ministries, departments and agencies of government and to ensure the executive and judiciary arms of government perform their duty at the optimal level,” he stated.
He noted that the industry, mines and solid mineral sector of the economy of the state if properly repositioned, would be a major revenue-spinning venture for the state government as it would create employment opportunities for millions of Imo citizens.
He assured the ministry that the committee would do all that was needed to support the sector in its fight to end illegal mining in the state.
The lawmaker further said that the reason for inviting the sector to appear before it is to brainstorm and get first-hand information on the activities of the ministry and its plans for foreign direct investment
