Illegal Mining and Terrorism: A Link Exposed by Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals
During his appearance before the House of Representatives Committee on Solid Minerals, the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals, Mr. Dele Alake, unveiled a startling revelation regarding the involvement of influential Nigerians in illegal mining activities. He boldly stated that these powerful individuals are connected to the funding of banditry and terrorism in the country.
Mr. Alake emphasized that the perpetrators of illegal mining are not merely ordinary individuals seeking gold, but rather prominent figures within the nation. He emphasized that the majority of illegal miners were not foreigners and often lack proper immigration status. The Minister asserted that the government is actively identifying these individuals through various means, both kinetic and non-kinetic.
To tackle this issue, Mr. Alake underscored the significance of establishing a formal structure for mining operations that would enable multinationals to effectively engage. Drawing a parallel to the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Ltd., he proposed a system where the country would have equity in mining operations, preventing any destabilization from future governments.
The Minister highlighted the enormous potential of Nigeria’s mineral resources, estimating the total value of minerals in the country at a staggering 700 billion dollars. However, he lamented that only a fraction of this wealth has been tapped so far. In light of this, he urged the Committee to support the ministry’s efforts, emphasizing the transformational impact that a well-funded and organized mining sector could have on the nation’s economy.
Additionally, Mr. Alake stressed the importance of engaging host communities where mining activities occur to ensure adherence to laws and prevent potential conflicts. He urged the Committee to consider a more substantial budget allocation for the ministry and expressed confidence that the ministry’s contributions could eclipse those from the oil sector if given the necessary resources.
Despite the challenges posed by illegal mining, the Minister underscored Nigeria’s vast potential to become a key player in the global solid minerals market. He emphasized the need to create a conducive environment for investors and highlighted the role of the solid minerals sector in diversifying the country’s economy.
In response to the Minister’s address, the Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Gaza Gbefwi, acknowledged the crucial role of the solid minerals sector in Nigeria’s economic diversification. However, he expressed concern over the inadequacy of funds allocated to the sector in the 2024 budget.
The Minister’s revelations shed light on a critical issue with far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s security and economic development. The connection between illegal mining and the funding of criminal activities underscores the urgent need for concerted efforts to address this complex challenge. As discussions around the 2024 budget continue, it is imperative for stakeholders to consider the Minister’s insights and work towards establishing a robust framework that maximizes the potential of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.
