EFCC Warns NURTW, RTEAN Against Helping Illegal Miners Transport Minerals

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has warned members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) to avoid being used by illegal miners across the country to transport mineral resources.

The chairman gave the warning through the Ilorin Zonal Commander, ACE1 Mchael Nzekwe, at a meeting with the executive members of the two transport unions at the Ilorin Zonal Command of the EFCC.

Olukoyede said the meeting was necessary in order to sensitise members of the unions against falling prey to the law.

According to him, some truck owners and drivers have been found to be providing transport services to illegal miners.

He said: “The purpose of this meeting is to educate and enlighten you that it is an offence to mine minerals without license, just as it is an offence to possess or convey minerals without permit.

“You are therefore enjoined to warn your members not to allow themselves or release their trucks to be used for carrying out illegal activities.”

Olukoyede explained to the road transport leaders that illegal mining was an economic sabotage, and it is punishable with life imprisonment under Section 1(8) (b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act Cap M17, 1983.

He, therefore, asked the members of the transport unions to always demand for the mining license of any miner seeking their services to avoid being complicit in illegitimate mining.

He advised members of the two unions to deny entry into their parks, any truck loaded with solid minerals without the right authorisation papers.

The EFCC boss further urged the transport unions to report trucks conveying illegal minerals to the commission.