In a bid to further build on the robust relationship between security agencies and the ministry, Edo State Commissioner for Mining and Energy, Hon. Enaholo Ojeifoh has, in the company of the permanent secretary and directors, paid a working visit to the state command of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Hon. Ojeifoh harped on the need for adequate security of natural resources within the state to prevent all forms of illegal activities in the mining, oil/gas and energy sectors of the state.
He noted that one of the ways to achieve maximum results and boost the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) is to put an end to all forms of illegal mining activities and illegal refineries.
He assured that all genuine businesses would be protected and supported by the government, as long as transactions are done within the confines of the law.
In his words, “The Governor has done so much in the business sector, and has successfully set the pace for his contemporaries. He has opened the business sector for all to leverage: big, medium, or small scale.”
He continued, “However, we will never condone illegality and diversion of natural resources in the State. This is where we need the NSCDC to come in as never before. This is the only way we can support the Governor in his Ease of Doing Business initiative which will automatically attract more investors in the State.
If you must venture into the mining and oil/gas sector, come to the table, and the business-friendly Governor will provide you with a better platform to do it legally.
“As part of the Governor’s efforts to engage the youths, we will be having an empowerment programme that will be launched soon; hundreds of youths in the State will be trained and empowered to start up something. No doubt these skills will make most of them very useful in the Mining and Oil/gas sector,” he added.
In his response, Commandant Samuel Okon of NSCDC commended the Commissioner for his kind words and strategic plans to ensure the total fulfillment of Governor Obaseki’s plan to Make Edo Great Again (MEGA).
He assured the commissioner of their readiness as always to ensure the success of Governor Obaseki’s MEGA agenda through the Ministry of Mining and Energy.
He emphasized that the provision of full-scale security in the Mining and Oil/Gas sector is one of their primary responsibilities.
He said, “According to our Act, we are to maintain 24 hours surveillance over critical national assets and infrastructure at the federal, state and local levels; that is our key mandate, and we assure you that we will put in more efforts to ensure a safer environment for investors.”
