Owolabi Salis, a lawyer and chartered accountant based in New York, is calling on the Federal Government to take a stronger stance against illegal mining activities in Nigeria. He emphasized that many Nigerians are unaware that illegal miners, often in collaboration with foreigners and local troublemakers, are responsible for a significant portion of the insecurity in the country.
In an interview with The Guardian, Salis highlighted how these illegal miners provoke and fund communal conflicts to forcibly take control of natural resources. He expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s 30-day ultimatum to illegal miners, stating that simply joining a miner’s association would not effectively address the issue.
Salis, who has run for governorship in Lagos State and previously served as the PDP National Secretary, criticised the government’s neglect of the mining sector, estimating that Nigeria loses billions of dollars annually due to illegal mining and smuggling of valuable resources.
He pointed out that the unauthorised activities of illegal miners, often backed by foreign interests, pose a significant security threat and contribute to funding insurgency groups. Salis urged the government to incorporate mining education into the national curriculum, stressing the importance of educating young Nigerians about the benefits of the mining sector.
Additionally, he called for President Bola Tinubu to prioritise the mining industry, highlighting the need for African nations to focus on transforming natural resources for valuable use. Salis also advocated for the implementation of laws to prohibit illegal mining operations.
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