The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has ordered the immediate recall of all Federal Mines Officers in the 36 states of the federation and the FCT.

This is contained in a statement issued by Mr. Olayinka Oyebode, Special Assistant on Media to the Minister on Friday in Abuja.

Fayemi said this became imperative to strengthen the institutional capacity of the ministry to cooperate with the security agencies in ensuring the security of lives, environment and property in the country.

He said the call came barely 24 hours after the ministry blacklisted and withdrew the explosives licences of Delta-based company for the illegal diversion of explosives.

According to the minister, all the affected officers are to report to the headquarters of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Abuja for further directives on their next assignments.

He said that letters to this effect had been dispatched to the state and zonal offices of the ministry nationwide.

According to Fayemi, the ministry will do everything possible to reposition the sector for effective service delivery.

“In the pursuit of our mandate to deepen the productivity of the mining industry, we will continue to collaborate with all stakeholders to guarantee security of lives and property,’’ he said. (NAN)

•Photo shows Fayemi.