The Urgency for the Creation of Mining Police in Nigeria

The Nigerian Youth Union (NYU), a coalition of young people across Nigeria, has issued a formal appeal to the Federal Government to promptly establish the proposed Mining Police Force in order to combat illegal mining activities.

In a statement released on Friday in Abuja, NYU’s National President, Comrade Chinonso Obasi, underscored the substantial loss of resources to illegal miners, emphasizing the critical need for immediate action to address this issue. Obasi highlighted that the creation of a specialized police unit would not only secure the nation’s mining sites but also enhance revenue generation.

Amidst the current economic downturn affecting various sectors of the economy, stakeholders cannot afford to ignore the exploitation by illegal miners. The potential gains from mining activities could significantly contribute to the nation’s economy if properly managed. However, Nigeria is currently experiencing substantial losses due to the activities of illegal miners.

In response to these challenges, NYU is calling on the Federal Government to expedite the establishment of a dedicated Mining Police Force to tackle illegal mining activities. Obasi referenced the recent statement by the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, who indicated that intelligence reports had linked illegal miners to the rise of banditry in several parts of Nigeria, highlighting the necessity for a Mines Police unit.

Furthermore, the Speaker of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament, Mohamed Tunis, revealed that Nigeria has lost a staggering 91 percent of its revenue from the mining sector to illegal miners. This dire situation, as Tunis highlighted, is exacerbated by the fact that 80 percent of mining activities in the country’s North-West region are conducted illegally, resulting in a loss of 91 percent of potential mining revenue.

In response to these alarming statistics, Obasi emphasized the urgency of closing all loopholes and imposing sanctions against illegal miners and their sponsors. He stressed that the establishment of a Mining Police Force, to be housed within the Ministry of Solid Minerals, would effectively safeguard mining sites, gather credible intelligence, prosecute offenders, and ultimately contribute to economic development.

The issue of illegal mining and nonpayment of royalties must be decisively addressed, as the youth are prepared to take action against this blatant economic sabotage, Obasi declared. The creation of the Mining Police Force is viewed as a crucial step towards combating illegal mining activities and safeguarding the nation’s resources.

In conclusion, the urgency for the establishment of the Mining Police Force in Nigeria cannot be overstated. As illegal mining poses a significant threat to the nation’s economy and security, it is imperative that concrete measures be taken to address this pressing issue. By creating a specialized police unit, the government can effectively combat illegal mining activities, protect mining sites, and ensure the sustainable management of the country’s mineral resources, thus driving economic development. It is essential for the authorities to heed the call from NYU and take prompt action to establish the Mining Police Force.