Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology, Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, has urged journalists to actively support the fight against illegal mining (galamsey), emphasizing their critical role in raising awareness and shaping public discourse.
Speaking on The Point of View with Bernard Avle on Channel One TV, Muhammed underscored the media’s responsibility in tackling the galamsey menace.
“I think that the media also has a role to play, the media has a huge role to play. What we’re doing is broadening and encouraging stakeholder consultations. We are also looking at sensitization and education,” he stated.
With illegal mining posing a significant threat to the nation, the minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening collaborations with key stakeholders, including journalists, to intensify public education and advocacy against the destructive practice.
He also stressed the importance of engaging traditional leaders and working closely with the Ministries of Defence and Interior to combat galamsey, noting that many illegal miners are heavily armed, requiring a coordinated and robust response.