By Michael Ofulue, Osogbo

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness in the state’s mining sector, firmly denying any intention to engage in witch-hunting against individuals or businesses.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ forum, the governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, addressed the legal and policy challenges affecting the sector under Nigeria’s federal system.

He noted the frequent clashes between state, federal, and community rights and stressed the need for clearer delineation of responsibilities to resolve these conflicts.

“We are all aware of the policy and legal complications around our brand of federalism. The struggle to clear these issues is still ongoing, especially within the solid mineral sector,” he said, highlighting the exploitation of legal ambiguities by some stakeholders to undermine the rights of states and host communities.

Adeleke commended the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals for its regulatory efforts while outlining the proactive measures his administration has taken to strengthen Osun’s position in the sector.

“Our administration early in the days launched ambitious mining sector reforms to claim the rights of our state and our host communities. These efforts are yielding positive returns,” he affirmed.

He highlighted key initiatives, including the revalidation of mining licences, recovery of Osun’s shares in the Segilola mining project, and ensuring mining companies meet their tax and financial obligations.

“Our administration revalidated our mining licences. We reclaimed Osun shares in the Segilola mining project. We are pushing for the payment of taxes and other financial obligations by Segilola and other mining companies. We are pressing for compensation on environmental damages, among others,” he said.

Adeleke also lamented the environmental and developmental challenges faced by mining communities, underscoring his administration’s focus on securing compensation for damages caused by mining activities.

He assured stakeholders that the state’s mining reforms are aimed at safeguarding the rights of all parties, including businesses, host communities, and the government.

“Our main preoccupation is to block any exploitation and cheating of our people,” he stated. “We desire that our people and state should feel the impact of their God-given resources.”

While reaffirming Osun’s pro-business stance, the governor warned that the state would not tolerate attempts to deny its people their rightful share of the benefits derived from the mining sector.