By Tracy Ohovwore, Benin City
The Edo State government, through its Ministry of Mining, has helped settle a conflict between the Edo Tipper Drivers’ Association and the Sand Quarry Owners’ Association.
The State Commissioner for Mining, Hon. Andrew Ijegbai, brought both sides together by engaging with them directly, starting with public invitations to stakeholders.
In the meetings, he encouraged everyone to follow the law and report any problems to the Mining Ministries (both State and Federal) or the Civil Defense Corps, which handle mining issues in the State.
Hon. Ijegbai promised that the solutions offered would provide a long-lasting benefit to all involved. He urged everyone to be open and avoid greed in their interactions so they could cooperate, as they are both important parts of the Mining Sector.
The Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Ese Martina Omoruyi, also mentioned that the Ministry is progressive and ready to listen to its stakeholders to achieve best practices in the Mining Sector.
She expressed her gratitude to both parties for attending the meetings on such short notice.
Present at the mediation were various members from the associations, including the Director of Mining, Mr. Omoruyi Ihianle; the Director of Oil and Gas, Mrs. Stacy Osifo; the Director of Risk Management Compliance, Engr. Daniel Agboge; and the Director of Shared Services, Mr. Agbonile Lucky. Other attendees included the South-South Zonal Mines Officer, Mr. Ganiyu Ajibade; the Deputy Commandant of the Nigeria Civil Defence Corps, Akin Richard; and the leaders of both the Edo Tipper Drivers’ Association and the Sand Quarry Owners’ Association.
The parties involved reported issues like broken agreements, sudden price increases, and resistance to extortion as reasons for their disputes.
