The Threat of Illegal Mining: A Shocking Link to Banditry and Terrorism in Nigeria

In an unexpected turn of events, the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals, Mr Dele Alake, has levied a concerning accusation, asserting that prominent individuals engaged in unlawful mining are providing financial backing to banditry and terrorism in Nigeria.
During his appearance before the House of Representatives Committee on Solid Minerals for the 2024 budget defense in Abuja, Alake underscored the correlation between unlawful mining activities and the financing of banditry and terrorism. He underscored that influential local figures are affiliated with the illicit mining activities fueling the escalation of banditry and terrorism within the nation.
Alake emphasized the importance of identifying these influential entities through various means, both kinetic and non-kinetic. He put forward the notion of promoting petty unlawful miners to establish cooperatives and underscored the necessity for a formalized structure in the mining sector akin to the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Ltd. Furthermore, Alake proposed a primarily private sector-driven framework for the Nigeria Mining Cooperation to safeguard it from potential destabilization by future governments.
The minister stressed the extensive mineral wealth in Nigeria, estimated to exceed 700 billion dollars, and posited that the country has scarcely tapped into a quarter of its potential. He implored the committee to lend their support to the ministry’s endeavors, suggesting that an augmented budget allocation could significantly bolster the nation’s revenue, potentially surpassing the earnings from the oil sector.
Alake highlighted the global demand for Nigeria’s minerals and the nation’s capacity to emerge as a prominent player in the global economy through its solid mineral resources. Nonetheless, he emphasized the imperative of creating a more conducive operating environment for investors.
In response, Rep. Gaza Gbefwi, the chairman of the committee, acknowledged the significance of the solid minerals sector for Nigeria’s economic diversification. He voiced concerns regarding the inadequacy of the allocated funds for the sector in the 2024 budget and emphasized the committee’s initiatives to fortify and restructure the sector through proactive motions and bills.
The startling revelation made by Minister Alake sheds light on the intricate network of illegal mining, banditry, and terrorism in Nigeria. It underscores the necessity for a multifaceted approach to confront the issue, encompassing the identification and regulation of influential figures involved in unlawful mining activities. In addition, it underscores the potential of Nigeria’s solid mineral resources to make a substantial contribution to the nation’s economy and global standing.
The committee’s acknowledgement of the importance of the solid minerals sector and their efforts to fortify the sector through legislative measures is a positive step towards addressing the challenges highlighted by Minister Alake. It is imperative for the government and stakeholders to work collaboratively to combat illegal mining and its adverse implications, thereby unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s mineral wealth.