Dr Kayode Fayemi |
Following the discovery of diversion of explosives to militants operating in the Niger Delta region, the Federal Government has named about 43 mines officers to be deployed to the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.
Some of the officers to be deployed in the states would serve as zonal mines officers in the six geopolitical zones of the country.
Our correspondent gathered that the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, would meet with the newly appointed officers in Abuja on Tuesday.
The Office of the National Security Adviser had ordered the audit of explosives imported, made and sold in the Niger delta region when it was discovered that an oil and gas installation had been bombed by the Niger Delta Avengers with explosives obtained from an official dealer in explosives.It was also learnt that the officers would begin an orientation on Tuesday before they are finally deployed in the states where they are to serve.
It was in the process of the audit that it was found that the Nigerian Development and Construction Company, an importer and seller of explosives in Koko, Delta State, was involved in illegal diversion of about 9,000 kg of Nitro-glycerine explosives and 16,420 pieces of electrical detonators from its magazines between 2015 and 2016.
Consequently, Fayemi ordered the immediate sealing off of Messrs Nigerian Development and Construction Company, for the illegal diversion of the explosives. He also ordered the blacklisting of the company and the withdrawal of its explosive licences.
He followed this up on Friday with the ordering of immediate recall of all federal mines officers in the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.
Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr. Yinka Oyebode, told our correspondent that it was necessary to recall the officers as a proactive measure.
He also confirmed on the telephone that the minister would on Tuesday meet with the new officers to be deployed in the states as mines officers. (Punch)
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