Nigeria’s Minister of State for Mines and Steel, Uche Ogah, has called for collaboration with Governors of the South East Zone to tackle mining devastation as well as stop illegal mining activities in the zone.
Ogah, who made this known when he visited Governor Okezie Ikpeazu at Government House Umuahia, gave assurances that his ministry will work towards tackling erosion menace and illegal mining activities in the state.
Governor Ikpeazu, who regretted that the activities of illegal miners is negatively affecting the state, attributed it to the issuance of mining licence by the federal government without recourse to the state government.
Governor Ikpeazu said about 25% of land belonging to the state has been eaten up by erosion.
This is the first time Ogah, who contested against Governor Ikpeazu on the platform of All Progressives Congress, in the last General election, is paying a visit to the Governor as a minister.
The minister said it was time to set politics aside and work together to develop the state.
