The Acting Executive Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Abdulkarim Chukkol has condemned the activities of illegal mining operators in Kwara state and vowed to check the menace.
He made the vow on Thursday, July 6, 2023 at a workshop organised by the EFCC for print, electronic, online reporters in Ilorin, Kwara State.
Chukkol, who spoke through the Ilorin Zonal Commander of the EFCC, Michael Nzekwe, said the activities of illegal solid mineral operators pose grave threat to the local and national economy, through non- payment of royalties, taxes and other dues.
He however expressed confidence in the competence of the Commission to tackle the menace head-on. According to him, “the Commission has been active in tackling their criminalities and will continue to ensure that extant laws against illegal miners are enforced.”
The EFCC boss commended the media for collaborating with the agency in its fight against economic and financial crimes adding that the engagement provided an opportunity to interface with faces behind the news.
“This meeting evokes fresh consciousness of the critical and sacrificial roles of the media in nation building. Besides, an interaction like this offers a rare opportunity to see the faces behind the news we read in newspapers and social media; watch on television or listen to on radio”, he said.
While charging the media on professionalism Chukkol said, “Journalists, all over the world, are undoubtedly chroniclers of history and generation-builders. The media has always been the mirror and monitor of other arms of government”.
He particularly expressed delight over the synergy between the media and the EFCC saying, “the media has proven to be an important stakeholder, showcasing our activities and offering critical reviews that are germane to systems improvement.”