Crackdown on Illegal Mining: FG’s Stance on Mineral Exploitation
The Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has adopted a resolute stance against illegal mining and the exploitation of mineral resources in Nigeria. This declaration was made by the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, during the graduation ceremony of individuals who underwent training in the Gemstone Jewelry Program in Abuja.
Alake underscored the significance of effectively harnessing Nigeria’s solid minerals for economic growth, asserting that these resources are the next petroleum for the nation. He conveyed the government’s commitment to implementing concrete strategies to address the pervasive issue of illegal mining.
It is widely known that illegal mining activities have been prevalent for many years across various states in Nigeria. The North-West region, particularly Zamfara, Katsina, and Kaduna, has been notably impacted by this issue. Consequently, the government has taken decisive actions in order to eradicate such practices.
In alignment with the government’s position, the Nigerian Extractives Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has also been proactive in addressing the challenges confronting the solid minerals sector. NEITI has launched a strategic plan for 2022–2026 with the goal of promoting investments, transparency, and capacity building in the industry.
Dr. Ogbonnaya Orji, the Executive Secretary of NEITI, highlighted the enormous potential of the solid minerals sector to significantly contribute to Nigeria’s GDP. He projected that, if properly harnessed, the sector could surpass the oil industry, potentially contributing over 60% to the nation’s GDP.
NEITI’s reports have revealed that, over a 13-year period, Nigeria only generated $1.4 billion from solid minerals, in stark contrast to the substantial revenue from the oil and gas sector. Dr. Orji lamented the neglect of the solid minerals sector and underscored the importance of transparency and accountability in its management.
The stern warning issued by the government against illegal mining and its commitment to optimizing the solid minerals sector are crucial steps towards maximizing the country’s natural resources for sustainable economic development. Therefore, it is imperative for all stakeholders involved to adhere to regulations and work towards the responsible exploitation of Nigeria’s abundant mineral wealth.
