Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has commended President Bola Tinubu and the minister of solid minerals development Dr. Dele Alake for their roles in resolving a protracted dispute between the state and Segilola Resources Operating Limited (SROL). The resolution has resulted in Osun securing its shareholding in the gold-mining company.

Speaking during a mediation meeting convened by Alake in Abuja, Governor Adeleke lauded the federal government’s reforms in the mining sector, noting that they have facilitated an amicable resolution of the issues.

“I must through you commend Mr President for the ongoing reforms of the nation’s mining sector. We took hints from the presidential reform initiatives in the mining sector to launch our own reforms at the state level. I am happy to state that this is one of the fruits of those reforms,” Adeleke told Alake.

The dispute, which had led to the closure of SROL’s operations, was centred on issues such as tax claims, environmental concerns, and Osun’s shareholding in the company. The meeting, which followed a high-powered committee’s report led by Engr. Ganiyu Imam of the ministry of solid minerals, sought to resolve the impasse and create a harmonious business environment.

Minister Alake stressed the importance of collaboration between state governments and mining operators to attract investments and advance Nigeria’s mining sector. ““Investors prefer countries where regulations are clear, streamlined and consistent. It is trite to emphasise that solid minerals belong exclusively in the federal government’s purview but when sub national governments issue conflicting directives, it deters the critical investments needed to grow the mining sector,” he noted.

Governor Adeleke reiterated Osun’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment while ensuring ethical standards. He emphasised the state’s openness to investors across sectors and the importance of smooth mining operations.

Prof. Lukman Jimoda, special adviser to the governor on mining and mineral resources, detailed the core issues of the dispute, emphasising the broader economic interests Osun seeks to gain from Segilola’s operations.

The meeting concluded with the presentation of the state’s shareholding certificate to Governor Adeleke by Segilola Resources Limited. Both parties pledged to continue discussions to address any outstanding matters.

The event was attended by top officials from Osun State, including Prof. Jimoda and special adviser to the governor on media and publicity Olawale Rasheed as well as representatives from Segilola, led by its MD/CEO Segun Lawson.