The article discusses the significant threat illegal mining poses to Nigeria’s mineral wealth, costing billions annually. It highlights the nation’s substantial mineral resources, the neglect of the mining sector by past governments, and the subsequent rise of illegal activities that exacerbate security issues. Stakeholders call for stronger governmental action to regulate the sector and address the ongoing exploitation of resources by powerful elites, particularly amidst growing concerns about the involvement of foreign nationals in illegal mining operations.
Illegal mining poses a severe threat to Nigeria’s wealth in minerals, costing the country billions annually. Nigeria boasts a rich array of natural resources, including industrial metals and precious stones, with 44 mineral types found in commercial volumes. A preliminary survey by Geoscan estimates these solid minerals to be worth about $750 billion, with a significant portion yet untapped.
The mineral sector holds potential to enhance Nigeria’s GDP, a key aspect of President Bola Tinubu’s economic diversification agenda. However, past administrations have favored oil over mining, neglecting the industry which is now vulnerable to unregulated mining activities. This oversight has allowed illegal mining to thrive, exacerbating security issues marked by increased banditry and kidnappings.
The government has previously implemented bans in mining-heavy areas like Zamfara to combat illegal operations, which lead to a rise of unregulated activities filling the gaps left behind. Dr. Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, pointed out that this has led illegal miners to exploit national resources unchecked.
Industry stakeholders echo these sentiments, emphasizing that illegal mining has catalyzed banditry and concentrated mineral wealth among a few elite individuals. In response to this chaos, Alake declared a state of emergency, asserting that illegal mining activities are financing organized crime, which undermines revenue generation in the sector.
Concerns about the involvement of powerful individuals, including retired military officers and corrupt government officials, have been vocalized by lawmakers like Sen. Adams Oshiomhole. He urged that the government should apply the same force against illegal mining as it has against oil bunkering, reflecting an urgent need for a robust response to this prevailing issue.
Civil society organizations have amplified these calls, warning that illegal mining threatens Tinubu’s economic diversification strategy. Philip Jakpor, of the Renevyln Development Initiative, stressed that the government must demonstrate political will by addressing illegal operations directly, holding perpetrators accountable.
Jakpor highlighted the complicity of expatriates, particularly from China, in illegal mining, suggesting a network of operations disguised as legitimate businesses. He called for greater governmental oversight to ensure compliance with industry regulations, advocating for more stringent monitoring of foreign firms involved in mineral extraction.
Dr. Abdullahi Jabi, a civil rights advocate, noted that systemic issues, such as the engagement of local youth in illegal mining due to unemployment, further complicate the landscape. He urged a comprehensive legislative framework to legitimize mining activities and ensure resource benefits flow to the broader population instead of a select few.
Despite the serious allegations posed, some retired generals have claimed that such statements are baseless and aimed at damaging reputations. Retired Gen. Bamidele Olawumi encouraged Oshiomhole to substantiate his allegations with evidence and report any wrongdoers to authorities, reflecting an appeal for accountability.
While some stakeholders remain hopeful that Tinubu’s administration will effectively tackle illegal mining, others concur with Oshiomhole’s argument that robust methods akin to those used in combating oil theft must be employed to break the cycle of exploitation.
The article underscores the pressing issue of illegal mining in Nigeria and its detrimental effects on national security, economic potential, and the wealth derived from mineral resources. Stakeholders emphasize the need for a significant legal and regulatory framework that can effectively combat illegal mining activities while highlighting the involvement of influential individuals and groups that perpetuate these practices. A concerted effort from the government, civil society, and relevant organizations is necessary to safeguard Nigeria’s mineral wealth and ensure that it benefits all citizens fairly.
Original Source: nannews.ng
