The Fight Against Illegal Mining: Minister Launches Mining Marshals to Safeguard Natural Resources
The recent inauguration of the first set of Mining Marshals Corps by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, represents a significant step in the effort to counter illegal mining activities. This pivotal event, as reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), took place in Abuja. The mining marshals are sourced from the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), a nationwide paramilitary organization that will deploy units across the country to collaborate with federal mines officers in states and local governments.
Minister Alake, during the inauguration, emphasized the vital role of the mining marshals in addressing illegal mining nationwide. He underscored the administration’s commitment to bolster the security architecture of the solid minerals sector, combining ground troops with innovative technology to enhance the protection of natural resources. This initiative is part of the administration’s seven-point agenda aimed at positioning the solid minerals sector for domestic growth and international competitiveness.
The Minister highlighted the significance of securing the minerals sector, emphasizing its potential to significantly contribute to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). He outlined plans to establish a robust security architecture in all 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, with a dedicated mines command in each state. Minister Alake also disclosed that the military and police would collaborate with the mining marshals as part of an inter-security architecture in the future.
Emphasizing the urgency of the initiative, the Commandant General (CG) of the NSCDC, Ahmed Audi, stressed that the security of mining sites is crucial to safeguarding the nation’s critical assets and infrastructure. He assured that the specially trained marshals would diligently address the issue of illegal mining to prevent further revenue loss in the sector. As part of the collective effort to combat illegal mining, the House Committee Chairman on Solid Minerals, Rep. Gaza Gbefwi, expressed the support of the National Assembly in achieving the goal of tackling illegal mining.
The initiative to combat illegal mining and secure the solid minerals sector is a pivotal step towards ensuring the sustainable exploitation of Nigeria’s rich mineral resources. The measures put in place by the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, in collaboration with the NSCDC and other security agencies, signal a proactive approach to addressing the challenges posed by illegal mining. With a structured command system in place and the commitment of all stakeholders, including the National Assembly, the fight against illegal mining is poised to make significant strides in safeguarding the country’s natural resources.
The launch of the Mining Marshals Corps serves as evidence of the government’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s mineral wealth for the benefit of its citizens. The collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, the NSCDC, and other relevant agencies demonstrate a concerted determination to combat illegal mining and ensure the long-term sustainability of the minerals sector. As the mining marshals begin their operations, their contribution to securing the solid minerals sector will undoubtedly play a vital role in advancing Nigeria’s economic development.
Source: NAN: www.nannews.ng
