CSOs Raise Alarm Over Threats to Mining Sector
A collective of thirty Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has issued a cautionary statement regarding potential sabotage in Nigeria’s mining sector, expressing concerns about actions that may impede the efforts of President Bola Tinubu. After conducting an independent assessment of the mining industry, the non-partisan groups revealed apprehensions about a covert scheme allegedly orchestrated by individuals who were previously displaced by the administration. These individuals are purportedly plotting illicit activities in order to disrupt the sector’s progress.
Led by the Global Peace and Life Rescue Initiative (GOPRI), the coalition called upon President Tinubu’s administration to harness the mining sector for the purpose of diversifying Nigeria’s revenue sources beyond oil. In a joint statement signed by prominent figures including Amb. Melvin Ejeh, Dr Ibrahim Khalifa, Engr. Bashir Dan Zaria, Dr Mrs Remi Edun, and Dr Mrs Ngozi Amechi, the CSOs alerted against a perceived smear campaign targeting the leadership of the mining sector. They also highlighted the significant digitalization and reform of the Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office, commending its global competitiveness. However, the groups cautioned the government and citizens to remain vigilant against potential defamation campaigns aimed at undermining the agency and its leadership.
The CSOs stressed that the ongoing reforms may provoke resistance from major players who were previously involved in illegal and fraudulent mining activities.
