Experts from the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Academia, Security and Business have charged the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps ( NSCDC ), Lagos State Command on more effective methods it can deploy to enforce adequate security of mining sites in the state.
These local and international experts were drawn from various walks of life relevant to the theme of the fifth edition of the Lagos NSCDC Bi – Monthly PR Clinic, with the theme of “Sustainable Mining and Environmental Management in Nigeria: The role of Government, NSCDC and Stakeholders.”
The panelists who did justice to the aforementioned theme of the digitized version of the 5th Edition include Engr Silas S. G, the Federal Mines Officer in charge of Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development Lagos State; Dr Wasiu Balogun, Energy and Maritime Security Expert and Co – ordinator, Master of Arts Degree Program at the Lagos State University and Mr Abiodun Oseni, US Army Veteran.
Other participants include Assistant Commandant General David Bille, rtd, who took time to make their intellectual submissions during the interactive session of the event.
The State Commandant, NSCDC, Lagos State Command, Mr Adedotun Keshinro affirmed that the periodic Public Relations event was very important, to avail all participants, who are mainly professional personnel, practitioners and stakeholders, the opportunity of having a wide range of knowledge about the mining sector, to the degree that their intellectual capacity would be enhanced.
Engr Silas, amongst other things, made it very clear that environmental protection is very critical for the survival of the ecosystem. He further called on the Government to empower the NSCDC more in order for the service to be able to carry out its statutory duties.
The Lead Speaker, Dr Wasiu Balogun, also made several contributions that were very germaine to the sustainable development of the mining sector in Nigeria. He noted that sustainable mining actually, means mining that meets present needs, without compromising the future.
He also said that crimes perpetrated in the mining sector can not be treated in silo and as such there is the need for concerted efforts by agencies of government and industry players to improve on their methods of enforcement and regulations of mining laws in the country.
The second guest speaker, Mr Abiodun Oseni thanked the NSCDC for its proactive efforts towards enforcing mining regulations in the state.
However, he noted that it was important for the Corps to do more as to whom much is given much is expected. He would also like to see the Corps working with other regulatory agencies and stakeholders as well as the community to achieve its mandate in a more effective and efficient manner.
He further called for improved welfare package for the personnel of the Corps, enhanced training and retraining capacity of personnel attached to protect our mining deposits as much as all these will go a long way to boost their morale.
Present at the online 5th edition of the PR Clinic, hosted, by Superintendent of Corps Oluwaseun Abolurin, the Public Relations Officer of the Command were participants from various states of the federation and the globe.
