Illegal Mining and its Link to Banditry and Terrorism: A Wake-Up Call from Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals
The Honourable Minister for Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, has raised serious allegations against influential individuals in Nigeria involved in illegal mining activities. During a budget defence session, Alake informed the House of Representatives Committee on Solid Minerals that these illicit mining operations were funding banditry and terrorism in the country.
According to Alake, the perpetrators of these criminal activities were not foreign entities but influential Nigerians who were utilizing illegal mining operations as a facade. He emphasized that these were not simply individuals picking gold off the ground, but rather powerful figures within the country. The Minister further highlighted that these illegal miners were being pursued through both kinetic and non-kinetic means.
To address these illicit activities, Alake proposed the establishment of cooperatives among small-scale illegal miners. He also underscored the necessity for a formal structure within the mining industry to facilitate collaboration with multinational corporations, drawing parallels to the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Ltd.
Alake emphasized the untapped potential of Nigeria’s mineral deposits, estimating their value to be over $700 billion. However, he noted that the country had only accessed a fraction of this wealth, underscoring the need for comprehensive reform in the mining sector.
The Minister urged the Committee to provide the necessary support to revolutionize the mining industry, asserting that the revenue generated from mining could surpass that of the oil industry if the proposed budget was approved.
Additionally, Alake stressed the potential of Nigeria to become a global economic hub through its solid minerals. However, he highlighted the importance of creating an investor-friendly environment by cleansing the operating landscape for potential investors.
In response, the Chairman of the Committee, Representative Gaza Gbefwi, acknowledged the significance of the solid minerals sector and expressed concern over the inadequate funds allocated to the sector in the 2024 budget proposal.
The Minister’s revelations shed light on the urgent need to address the issues surrounding illegal mining in Nigeria. It is imperative for the government to take decisive action to regulate the mining industry, clamp down on illegal activities, and create a conducive environment for lucrative mineral exploration.
As active citizens and stakeholders, it is crucial to support initiatives that promote transparency and accountability in the mining sector. Upholding solutions journalism can facilitate the necessary reforms and ensure access to credible information that drives societal development.
As the government and relevant authorities address the challenges within the mining sector, it is essential for the public to remain informed and engaged in the discourse. With concerted efforts, Nigeria can harness its mineral wealth to drive economic growth and foster sustainable development.
