The Osun State Government on Thursday brought to the fore , the unethical operations of the Segilola Limited (SGL) and its subsidiary Thor Explorations Limited , United Kingdom.
According to Professor Lukman Jimoda , SA Mining and Natural Resources, as revealed to Journalists in Osogbo , the Osun State Capital, the SGP has been on the tax evasion list, and alleged sharp operational practices of using faceless proxies and cloudy use of companies in their business activities of outsourcing workers on site without due documentations.
It was also revealed that Segilola Gold Company has rebuffed complying with the Environmental law as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria under the concurrent list. ‘’We have assessed Segilola based on our protocol on Environment and on back duty rates that neglect economic cost escalations’’, Prof Lukman said. He goes further to mention the high level of particulates in the air and possible acid drains from the waste rocks which pose great hazards to the environment and the State generally.
While the government of Osun is aiming at high industrial development , It would at the same time not overlook his resources tied down to the detriment of the State. For example , Segilola Gold Company was alleged to have refused to pay the accrued taxes due to Osun Government despite the saving grace given to the company to do so.
‘’Also, the Iperindo Mine is Six years old and having operated for 3 years has not brought an income to the coffer of Osun’’ he said. ‘’ The efforts and demand of Osun State to realize our claims , which is over 60billion Naira in monetary value and redeemable shares as financial considerations for acquiring Osun State’s Interest in Tropical Mines Limited have always been rebuffed by Segilola Operating Resources Limited , the report said.
While responding to the allegations that the Adeleke’s family is part of the management of Segilola Gold Project, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment debunked the assumption. He said that the Adeleke’s family has no hand in running the affairs of Segilola’s mining Company. However, he was adamant that Osun Government would do anything under due process to collect any legitimate monies due to Osun State government from all the companies involved.
While eulogizing the Governor of Osun State Senator Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke for his doggedness and amiable approaches to the Segilola’s Company’s infractions and debt owing the Osun Government, Alimi says , ‘’All that the Governor is saying is that ‘’The Government is only interested in getting Osun monies for Osun developments and progress but not interested in time wasting probe’’. ‘’The State government is demanding payment of accrued taxes and other levies , he concluded.
In a swift reaction to the Osun State Government’s allegation against the management of Segilola Gold-
Project(SGP),Segilola Resources Operating Limited has refuted the allegations leveled against it, dismissing claims of tax evasion and unethical practices as unfounded.
In a statement issued by the company’s Country Manager, Austin Menegbo,made available to The Interviews Nigeria,the firm stressed on its track record of compliance with legal and regulatory obligations. Menegbo emphasized that Segilola
Resources has consistently met its tax responsibilities and royalty payments in full and on schedule.
‘’We have clear records and receipts that can be verified, demonstrating our commitment to being transparent and law-abiding Corporate Entity’’, Menegbo said.
In the same vein, Segilola also cited regular audits by the Federal Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development , which found no evidence of pollution or environmental violations.
The Company(Segilola Resource Resources Operating Limited) ,however, is reassuring the public of its continued dedication to contributing to the economic development of Osun State and Nigeria, while maintaining open communication with relevant authorities to ensure full compliance with both Federal and State laws, Menegbo said.