Development of a database  for licensed miners operating in Edo state is underway, this is part of Governor Godwin Obaseki administration’s arrangement to guarantee adequate security and a conducive environment such that will enable the miners to operate freely.

The Commissioner for Minerals, Oil and Gas, Hon. Joseph Ugheoke, disclosed this after a quarterly meeting with members of the Edo State Chapter of the Miners Association of Nigeria MAN in Benin City, Edo State capital.

The Vanguard report had it that, the Edo government has assured the miners in the state of the state government’s support of their business and commitment to ensuring that they scale their operations and create more jobs in the state. The commissioner said a decision was reached at the meeting to provide for the security needs of the association in the Edo State which is yielding positive results in Benin City, the state capital.

Ugheoke said “There are issues of kidnapping and robbery in some parts of the state and this is affecting mining activities, particularly in Edo North. We will ensure that within the next two weeks, all mine workers will have a database that the government security can key into. The intention of the state government is to extend the ‘Operation Wabaizigan’ to other parts of the state”.

Chairman, Edo State Chapter of MAN, Mr Michael Okhumode, thanked the state government for measures to ensure adequate security for their operations in the state, adding that members of the association would work closely with the government to ensure an increase in mining activities in the state to boost productivity and generate more revenue, the said.