The Governor of Ebonyi State Chief Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has attributed dwindling revenue accruing to the State from the federation account to failure of solid mineral operators to remit royalties to the Federal Government.
This he said is one of the indices in Federal allocation formula.
He made his feelings known when he received Officials of the Consolidated Lead and Zinc Miners Association in his office.
The Governor who lamented that activities of the miners are contrary to Federal mining Act warned that the State will no longer tolerate non- remittance of royalties and other levies.
” It is unfortunate that most you are in the habit of not remitting necessary levies to both the government and host communities and this action is inimical to our progress as a State. Most of you smuggle our minerals out of the State around 2 am just to escape payment of necessary levies and that has to stop because no matter at what time, we must intercept you this time around and you will face the full wrath of the law”
The Governor directed Miners across the State to always close mining pits after exploration to prevent loss of lives.
“You are under obligation to cover your Mining pits after exploration . We have incidences where our people lost their lives. To me it is negligence on the part of the Miners. Recall that our youth Leader lost his life in one of the Mining pits along Ikwo road and it was a painful experience to all of us “.
The Governor pledged to provide conducive environment for Mining operations in the State.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Mr Merit Nwachukwu said they were interested in forming synergy with the state government in other to attract investors.
” With the protection and cooperation of the State we are looking forward to making Ebonyi an investment destination. There will be Job creation. There are some challenges but with the energy we have seen in you we are courageous to push forward.”
