Alake sets up panel to probe Osun, Segilola’s face-off
Abdullateef Fowewe
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has inaugurated a panel to examine and resolve the face-off between the Osun State Government and owners of Segilola Resources Operating Limited, Thor Explorations Limited, over taxation and operational matters.
This was revealed in a statement Dailyecomomy obtained from the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development on Thursday.
Alake gave the panel seven days to resolve the matter, stating that states should not disrupt mining and that mining companies must comply with laws and taxes.
The statement reads, “Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Dele Alake, has launched a fact-finding panel to address the dispute between Osun State and Segilola Resources over alleged tax issues.
“Alake reaffirmed that only the FG has the authority to regulate mining, stressing that states can’t arbitrarily shut down operations.
“Key Points: States should not disrupt mining, panel to resolve the dispute in 7 days and mining companies must comply with laws, taxes, & CSR.”
The Osun State Government, on September 30, sealed the business premises of SROL, following a court order permitting it to confiscate the company for tax violations and operational matters.
The state government had accused the company of unethical business practices, and tax evasion amounting to $1.9 million.
