The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has stepped into the ongoing conflict between the Osun State Government and Thor Explorations Limited, the owners of Segilola Resources Operating Limited, over taxation and operational issues.
Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, announced the formation of a fact-finding team to investigate the situation and restore industrial harmony.
The minister revealed that the team, led by Dr. Mary Ogbe, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, will include representatives from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), the Ministry of Labour and Employment, and the National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA). This multi-agency approach is aimed at thoroughly assessing the claims from both sides and reaching a resolution that benefits all parties involved.
Minister Alake stressed the importance of ensuring stability in the mining sector, which has become a key focus of the Federal Government’s efforts to attract foreign direct investment (FDI). “Closing down mining operations by subnational governments could jeopardize our efforts to attract FDI and may even lead to divestment by existing companies,” Alake warned.
He further emphasized that mining falls under the exclusive legislative list, meaning that the Ministry of Solid Minerals should be consulted before any disruptive actions are taken. “We are committed to increasing productive activities across the nation to boost economic growth, create jobs, and support community development,” he added.
Alake urged both parties to cooperate with the fact-finding team and allow production to continue while the issues are being resolved, emphasizing that a halt in operations would negatively affect workers, local communities, and the broader economy.
“It is essential that both parties pursue peace and industrial harmony for the benefit of the workers and their families who could be negatively affected by the closure of operations at the factory,” he concluded.
The Federal Government remains hopeful that the matter will be resolved swiftly and amicably, ensuring that the nation’s solid minerals sector continues to thrive.
