August 09, (THEWILL) – President Bola Tinubu has directed security agencies to intensify efforts to crack down on illegal miners across the country.
The President, who also urged companies engaged in mineral exploration in the country to prioritise the health and safety of Nigerians and the host communities, gave the directive on Thursday when he received visiting Course 32 participants of the National Defence College (NDC) at the State House in Abuja.
Responding to a presentation titled: ‘Harnessing the Mining Industry for Enhanced National Security and Development: Strategic Options for Nigeria by 2035′, President Tinubu commended their work and reiterated the importance of diversifying Nigeria’s economy.
He, therefore, tasked the participants to focus more on research on topical national issues during their 11-month study focused on the mining industry’s potential.
“I have listened carefully to your presentation on the theme. Aside from your knowledge of war and security, I could see the intellectual depth of the work done to help the nation, and I must say thank you to all of you.
“We have challenges of scavengers and exploiters around the country. We must nip that in the bud, and you military officers understand this better than the civil society. We expect that through your command, we will have more resources that we need to make sure we have a stable economic environment,” the President said.
In his remarks, Rear Admiral Olumuyiwa Olotu, Commandant, NDC, said the institution, established in 1992 as the National War College, has graduated 2,871 participants since inception.
The 111 participants of NDC Course 32 were drawn from the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as 19 international participants from Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America.
The presentation was delivered by Colonel Olajide Bello on behalf of the delegation.
