The Unveiling of 2,200 New Mining Marshals and Other Key Developments in Nigeria
The Nigerian Government, through the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, has recently garnered attention for its recruitment of 2,220 security personnel as part of a new security architecture. Their primary responsibility is to crack down on illegal miners and enforce the nation’s mining laws. Minister of Solid Mineral Development, Dele Alake, has underscored the importance of these new operatives in combating theft and other illicit activities surrounding the country’s mineral resources, ultimately ensuring that Nigeria fully benefits from its natural resources.
This announcement comes following President Bola Tinubu’s establishment of an inter-ministerial committee aimed at developing a blueprint to safeguard the country’s natural resources, including solid minerals, forests, and marine economy. With a command structure spanning all 36 states and the FCT, the mining marshals will have their command and control based in the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, with 60 operatives initially deployed in each state of the federation and the FCT.
In addition, sixteen state governors have expressed their endorsement for the establishment of state police and have proposed amendments to the constitution to facilitate its creation. These reports were presented at the 140th NEC meeting chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who has expressed confidence that more states will lend their support to this initiative.
The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has also announced a collaboration with the Niger State Government to improve electricity supply to the state through the ‘Light up Niger 2024’ initiative. This partnership aims to ensure a reliable power supply to the people of Niger State, with the potential to address the metering challenge and contribute to the state’s industrialization and processing zone.
Furthermore, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has reported a commendable 6% increase in intra-African trade in 2023, despite a 3% decline in global trade. This shift underscores the resilience and potential of African economies amid challenging global trade conditions, offering optimism for an upturn in international trade in 2024.
As these developments unfold, it is evident that Nigeria is taking significant steps to enhance security, energy infrastructure, and economic integration within the continent. These initiatives represent essential measures towards promoting sustainable development and prosperity for both the nation and the entire African continent.
