Oyo State Launches Task Force to Curb Illegal Mining, Enforces Executive Order 001/2023

In a decisive move to tackle the growing menace of illegal mining, the Oyo State Government on Monday officially launched a joint task force aimed at enforcing Executive Order 001/2023. The initiative marks a renewed commitment to environmental protection, regulatory compliance, and the security of local communities affected by unlawful mineral exploitation.

The event, held at Babaaro in Igbeti, Olorunsogo Local Government Area, and later at Iseyin City Hall in Iseyin LGA, saw top state officials and security agencies present as they rolled out the comprehensive action plan. The task force includes representatives from all constitutionally recognized security outfits, including the Amotekun Corps.

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Oyo’s Crackdown on Illegal Mining Gains Momentum

The environmental reform as the government intensifies its crackdown on illicit mining activities. Speaking at the event, the Director-General of the Oyo State Mineral Development Agency (OYSMIDA), Abiodun Oni, emphasized that the days of unchecked illegal mining were over.

“The task force has come to stay in this state,” Oni declared. “Anyone found engaging in illegal mining will be held accountable and prosecuted. The law will take its full course.”

He called on residents to collaborate with the government by reporting suspicious activities, urging, “If you see something, say something. We must all join hands together to curb this menace.”

Oni also praised Governor Seyi Makinde for his commitment to safeguarding Oyo’s natural resources and his proactive stance on mineral sector reform. According to him, the Governor’s leadership has been pivotal in launching this bold initiative that will help bring order to the sector.

Executive Order 001/2023 Now in Full Effect

A significant part of the enforcement strategy is the implementation of Executive Order 001/2023, a directive that mandates full compliance from mining stakeholders and host communities with Nigeria’s mining laws. This includes the compulsory signing of community development agreements and consent letters as outlined in the Nigerian Mining Act.

The government has begun strict enforcement of the Order, targeting mining operators who sidestep regulatory procedures or fail to engage their host communities meaningfully. This legal instrument aims not only to restore order but also to protect communities that have long suffered the environmental and social consequences of illegal mining.

Task Force to Promote Sustainable and Responsible Mining

The General Manager of OYSMIDA, Olufunke Omidiran, also addressed stakeholders during the launch. She described the new task force as a “strategic response to the growing threat of illegal mining,” adding that it was well-equipped to carry out its duties effectively.

Omidiran noted that beyond enforcement, the task force would work to promote sustainable mining practices and environmental stewardship across the state. She stressed that mining must align with best practices that protect both the land and its people.

Supporting this position, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Migrant and Homeland Security, Segun Adegoke, highlighted the inclusive structure of the task force. “This is a coordinated effort involving the police, the NSCDC, Amotekun, and other relevant agencies. Oyo is tackling the problem head-on,” he said.

One of the recurring themes of the launch was the role of the local communities in combating illegal mining. Officials urged residents to actively participate in the fight by serving as the eyes and ears of the government on the ground.

The administration’s focus is not only on enforcement but also on collaboration with communities to ensure mutual benefits from mining operations. By mandating Community Development Agreements, the state aims to empower communities with both legal protections and tangible socioeconomic benefits.

With the task force now operational and Executive Order 001/2023 being enforced, Oyo State is sending a strong message to illegal miners and complicit stakeholders. The government’s approach combines legal rigor, community engagement, and inter-agency collaboration to ensure the state’s mineral wealth is preserved and equitably managed.

Analysts have commended the initiative as a progressive step toward mineral sector reform. However, they caution that sustained political will, transparency in enforcement, and consistent community outreach will be crucial to the long-term success of the initiative.

For now, the people of Oyo can hope that the new task force and the strong backing of Governor Makinde’s administration will bring lasting solutions to the problem of illegal mining and usher in a new era of responsible natural resource management in the state.