The Commander, Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Michael Nzekwe, has hinted on the Commission's preparedness to strengthen the existing collaboration between it and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, in tackling illegal mining and non-payment of royalties by miners in Kwara State.

He made this disclosure on Thursday, August 25, 2022 while playing host to the State Commandant of the NSCDC, Ibrahim Muhammed who was at the Commission on a familiarization visit.

Nzekwe, who described the NSCDC as a strategic partner in the fight against corruption said, “One of the critical areas that we will want to seek your collaboration is in the area of illegal mining. As agencies of government, part of our responsibilities is to check corruption and preserve sources through which government generate revenue for the wellbeing of its citizenry. We cannot, therefore, sit back and watch people divert or pilfer what is meant for government to personal use.

“The law made it compulsory for miners to pay royalties to the Federal Government. The Federal Government is losing a lot to the activities of the illegal miners not only in Kwara State, but elsewhere in Nigeria. If due processes are followed and royalties are paid, not only that the Federal Government would benefit, the State Government is equally entitled to royalty to cater for its people”.

The Zonal Commander, who described the inability of some of the miners to pay royalties as “economy sabotage” said, the Ilorin Zonal Command of the agency would investigate the activities of the illegal miners in Kwara, Ekiti and Kogi States which are under his Command with a view to bringing the perpetrators to justice.

Responding, the Kwara NSCDC boss, Ibrahim Mohammed, commended EFCC for promoting inter-agency synergy in the fight against corruption.

According to NSCDC Commandant, the visit was to familiarize with military and para-military formations following his recent transfer to Kwara State.

While calling for further ties between the EFCC and the NSCDC, he said the collaboration became imperative as “no agency can do it alone”.