- Safiu Kehinde
The Federal Government has resolved the dispute between Osun state government and mining company, Segiliola Resources Operating Limited (SROL).
This was disclosed in a statement released on Wednesday by Segun Tomori, Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake.
According to the statement dated 25th March, 2025, Alake had met with the state governor, Ademola Adeleke, and SROL representatives at his office in Abuja to resolve the dispute between the parties.
Speaking during a mediation parley with the parties, Alake emphasized that solid minerals play a central role in the federal government’s economic diversification agenda.
He stressed that a harmonious relationship between state governments and mining operators is crucial not only for attracting investment but also for advancing the nation’s mining sector.
The Minister also noted that efforts in this regard would be jeopardized in a sector riddled with conflicting policies and strained relations between operators and state governments.
“In a business environment with multiplicity of regulatory authorities, foreign investors are discouraged,” said Alake.
“Investors prefer countries where regulations are clear, streamlined and consistent. It is trite to emphasize 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 said.
Alake urged an amicable resolution of the dispute between Osun State and SROL, highlighting that the state stands to benefit from an environment that promotes industrial harmony and eases the business climate.
Such conditions, according to the minister, would lead to increased revenue and attract foreign direct investment (FDI).
At the height of the dispute, which resulted in the closure of SROL’s operations by the state government, Alake had established a high-powered committee led by Engr. Ganiyu Imam, Director of the Ministry’s Mines Inspectorate.
The committee has since submitted its findings with the minister convening the meeting based on the report of the committee to mediate, achieve resolution and put a closure to the imbroglio.
Reacting, Governor Adeleke welcomed the minister’s intervention, expressing the state’s commitment to improving the ease of doing business while ensuring that ethical standards are upheld.
He reiterated the state government’s readiness to reach a compromise with the company to ensure smooth mining operations in Osun.
Meanwhile, Prof. Lukman Jimoda, Special Adviser to the Governor on Mining and Mineral Resources, outlined the key issues at the heart of the dispute, including disputed tax claims (particularly Pay As You Earn, PAYE), the state’s shareholding in the company, environmental concerns, and the broader economic interests Osun should gain from Segilola’s operations.
After deliberations and the minister’s mediation, both parties pledged to continue discussions to resolve any outstanding issues.
The resolution culminated in the presentation of the state’s shareholding certificate to Governor Adeleke by Segilola Resources Limited.
The meeting was attended by Governor Adeleke, Prof. Jimoda; Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Olawale Rasheed, and other government officials. Segilola was represented by MD/CEO, Segun Lawson; Country Director, Austin Menegbo; Non-Executive Directors Folorunsho Adeoye and Kayode Aderinokun.