The Menace of Illegal Mining in Nigeria
Illegal Mining: A Call for Action
A United States based lawyer and chartered accountant, Chief Owolabi Salis, has urged the Federal Government to take decisive action against illegal mining in Nigeria. Speaking in Ibadan, Salis highlighted the impact of illegal miners, particularly foreigners, on the nation’s security, attributing over 60 to 65 per cent of the insecurity to their activities.
Salis expressed concern that illegal miners, in collaboration with local individuals, often incite communal clashes to displace people from their land in order to gain illegal access to natural resources. He criticised the government’s 30-day ultimatum to illegal miners, stating that joining a miners association would not effectively address the issue.
Highlighting the financial losses incurred by Nigeria due to negligence in the mining sector, Salis emphasised the prevalence of illegal mining and smuggling of valuable resources out of the country. He pointed out that these activities not only pose a threat to security but also contribute to funding insurgency, leading to the displacement of innocent communities.
In addition to advocating for the inclusion of mining education in the national curriculum, Salis called for President Bola Tinubu to prioritise the mining sector. He stressed the importance of transforming natural resources for valuable use, including solid minerals and precious gems in the ocean.
Furthermore, Salis urged the government to enact stricter laws against illegal mining and emphasised the need for comprehensive education on mining at all levels of the nation’s education system.
