THE Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde yesterday ordered the closure of a facility used by suspected illicit miners to process and package lithium outside the state.
The governor ordered the closure of the facility which was originally designed to recycle batteries and tyres.
He also ordered the arrest of four people suspected of operating at the site, citing the fact that they were operating in violation of the government’s granted licence for state business operations.
Makinde, who was on an unexpected inspection trip of the industrial site in Idi Ayunre, Oluyole Local Government, Ibadan, the state capital, stated that early investigations revealed that the factory was run by some Chinese.
He noted that, while the Federal Government provided an operational licence to the miners in accordance with constitutional provisions, there will always be security issues and concerns when states do not have a say in the issuance of mining licences.
The governor noted that the factory and its operators had violated Executive Order 001 of 2024 on the safe handling of hazardous substances, and that the arrested factory workers would be prosecuted appropriately.
The governor also stated that the state government will take over the production facilities through a legal process until the situation is resolved.
He noted that, while Oyo State is open to investors and will do everything possible to help businesses succeed, those businesses must follow local laws and regulations.
