Illegal Mining and Its Impact on Local Conflicts in Nigeria
Nigeria’s artisanal and small-scale gold mining industry has proven to be a vital source of livelihood and development for many individuals. However, this potential has been marred by illegal mining activities driven by criminal elements. These criminals, in collaboration with politically connected Nigerians and Chinese corporations, have not only profited from the sector but have also intensified rural banditry and violent local conflicts, particularly in the North West, North Central, and South West regions of Nigeria.
The prevalence of illegal mining, especially in the North West region, has fueled violent conflicts and upheavals in these communities. Despite government efforts to ban artisanal gold mining and enforce the ban through military intervention, illegal mining activities and their associated conflicts persist, resulting in the loss of lives and displacement of communities.
The impact of illegal mining on local conflicts is two-fold. Firstly, disputes over control of the mine fields among those funding the illegal mining operations have led to violent confrontations. Furthermore, these sponsors of illegal mining also perpetrate and fund banditry and cattle rustling in mining communities in order to incite violence and create opportunities for their illicit operations. The involvement of foreign corporations and their collaboration with politically connected individuals have further exacerbated the situation, with the smuggling of the mined gold to international markets.
These occurrences not only underscore the governance and regulatory deficiencies in Nigeria’s mining sector but also reveal the systemic socio-economic problems prevalent in the region. The lack of effective responses to poverty and inadequate service delivery, especially to the youth, has made them susceptible to being recruited as a labor force by the sponsors of illegal mining.
These challenges also highlight the need to address the contradictions in Nigeria’s legal and regulatory frameworks, particularly in the ownership and control of mineral resources. The federal government’s ownership and control of all mineral resources have led to a neglect of regulatory compliance and enforcement by state governments, contributing to the perpetuation of illegal mining and related conflicts.
To address the systemic issues fueling illegal mining and its impact on local conflicts in Nigeria, there is a need for a comprehensive overhaul of the regulatory frameworks, the amendment of relevant laws to devolve ownership and control of mineral resources to state governments, and diplomatic engagement to address the involvement of foreign nationals and corporations in organized crime within the country.
The complex dynamics of illegal mining and its detrimental effects on local communities in Nigeria necessitate not only immediate interventions but also long-term systemic changes to ensure sustainable and equitable governance of the mining sector. Only through these efforts can Nigeria work towards mitigating the impact of illegal mining on local conflicts and fostering a conducive environment for responsible and sustainable mining practices.
Maurice Ogbonnaya, Senior Research Consultant, ISS Pretoria
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