The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has directed the National Security Adviser (NSA) to set up a special unit domiciled in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, and coordinated by the Office of National Security Adviser (ONSA) to carry out targeted operations at identified and confirmed illegal mining sites nationwide.
The Minister of Information, Mr. Lai Mohammed who briefed state house correspondents after Wednesday’s virtual FEC meeting, explained that the council also directed the Office of National Security Adviser to facilitate the erection of central magazines (special storage facilities) across the geo-political zones of the country for mining purposes as storage of explosives in military barracks in some parts of the country is grossly unsafe and the establishment of Control and Command Centre for remote monitoring of such explosives.
Lai Mohammed stated that the council also directed the Minister of Interior and the Nigerian Content Development Board to work closely with the Honoutable Minister of Mines and Steel Development.
FEC also took decision on the issue of double taxation, whereby mining companies are taxed by local and state governments.
FEC also asked that the National Economic Council (NEC) should dialogue with the Governors and let them understand that States can participate in mining as corporate bodies,
FEC also stated that States can register companies and participate in mining but cannot go there as sub-national authorities.
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