Lagos — Sand dealers in Ifo, Ogun State, have called on the government to give them adequate protection in the operation of their business activities. They also want stiffer penalties meted out to illegal miners in Nigeria.

The sand dealers, under the aegis of Ifesowapo Sand Dealers Association, Ifo, also disclosed that both the state and federal governments are losing billions of naira due to the activities of the illegal miners.

Speaking through its president, Alhaja Adijat Omitola, the sand dealers bemoaned the lukewarm attitude of government officials on the issue, pointing out that the economy could benefit significantly from proper co-ordination of the sub-sector.

The president also called on patriotic Nigerians to expose illegal miners as they do more harm than good to the economy.

She promised the co-operation of her association with the government in any effort to develop the sub-sector in the overall interest of the economy.