Foreign Illegal Miners Accused of Fueling Banditry in Nigeria
The Right Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals, Mr Dele Alake, has expressed concerns regarding the impact of foreign illegal miners in funding banditry in Nigeria. His comments were made during a briefing with state house correspondents following the Federal Executive Council meeting at the State House in Abuja on Monday.
In response to this urgent issue, the Minister emphasized the ministry’s dedication to integrating new technologies in the mining sector to address this challenge. By doing so, Nigeria can better exploit the solid minerals sector and maximize its full potential benefits. Additionally, the ministry is actively collaborating with the Nigerian armed forces and other security agencies to enhance security in regions rich in solid minerals.
Moreover, Mr Alake disclosed that the Federal Executive Council has approved a draft policy document on the solid minerals sector. This document outlines essential measures to be taken to ensure the effective exploitation of the country’s mineral resources. The Minister expressed his optimism that in the near future, solid minerals will become a significant source of revenue for the country’s budget.
In conclusion, it is clear that the Ministry of Solid Minerals is prioritizing the need to counter the influence of foreign illegal miners in Nigeria. By implementing new technologies, strengthening security measures, and outlining a comprehensive policy, the government is taking proactive steps to safeguard the country’s mineral resources and pave the way for sustainable economic development. These efforts are in line with the recommendations of the Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (IMM) and Africa Intelligence, which adds to the credibility of the Ministry’s initiatives.
