—-Okays N2.328bn for patrol vehicles, housing
By Johnbosco Agbakwuru

ABUJA – THE Federal Government, in Abuja Wednesday disclosed that about 18 Chinese are facing prosecution for engaging in illegal mining, while 36 Nigerians have also been arrested for the same offence.

The suspected Chinese.

This is as the Federal Executive Council, FEC, has approved N2, 328 billion for the purchase of 50 operational vehicles for anti-smuggling task force as well as 82 units of two bedroom residences for Custom officers living in Abuja.

Briefing State House correspondents after the weekly Federal Executive Council, FEC, meeting which was presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Council Chamber, Presidential Villa, Abuja, the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Fayemi Kayode said that Police were handling the case of illegal miners.

He said that the kingpin in the illegal mining in Plateau State, one Dan China from Bauchi State had been arrested and that the illegal mining was more on gold and the sapphire, adding that the Federal Government has created a new settlement for the artisans in the illegal business.

He said, “About 36 were arrested and we have the mines police there, they are being prosecuted, I believe the police is handling that. 18 of the Chinese are being prosecuted.”

Also briefing, the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Femi Adeosun said FEC approved N2.338 billion for the purchase of the vehicles and housing scheme for Customs Officers in Abuja.

According to her, the approvals were given based on two memos she presented on behalf of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

She disclosed that N1.2 billion was approved for acquiring bedroom units at Lifecamp in Abuja for NCS and N1.128 billion for 50 operational vehicles for Anti-smuggling Task Force.

Details soon