The Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has taken a momentous stride in tackling the issue of illegal mining by officially inaugurating the inaugural group of Mining Marshals Corps. This newly established initiative is intended to halt unauthorized mining activities across the nation and safeguard the preservation of natural resources.
During the official unveiling of the Mining Marshals in Abuja, Alake underscored the meticulous selection of corps members from the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). As a nationwide paramilitary organization, the NSCDC is suitably equipped to deploy its units across the country to effectively address the issue of illegal mining.
Alake stressed that the establishment of the Mining Marshals is an indispensable facet of the seven-point agenda set by the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development. The agenda seeks to position the solid minerals sector for domestic growth and international competitiveness by revolutionising the security architecture to integrate ground troops with advanced technology.
In furtherance of the government’s commitment to prioritising security in the mining sector, an inter-ministerial committee on the protection of natural resources was instituted, with Alake presiding as the chairman. This committee is entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding mines, forests, and coastal shores, with a specific focus on addressing the activities of illegal miners.
In addition to Alake’s initiative, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of the Interior, underscored the urgency of establishing the Mining Marshals in response to revenue losses in the mining sector. He reiterated that the marshals, carefully selected from the elite members of the corps, have undergone specialised training to effectively carry out their duties.
Tunji-Ojo assured that the marshals are prepared to take action against illegal miners to prevent further loss of revenue in the sector. He also expressed the government’s commitment to expanding the initiative by adding more batches of marshals to address the persisting issue of unauthorised mining activities.
Extending support and cooperation, Rep. Gaza Gbefwi, the Chairman of the House Committee on Solid Minerals, reassured the ministers of the National Assembly’s commitment to achieving the objective of combating illegal mining. He noted that there are two major bills in the house that have advanced to the second reading, one of which is aimed at establishing a mines inspectorate to enhance the workforce and ensure the security goals are achieved.
Gbefwi commended the ministers of solid minerals and the minister of the interior for their efforts in addressing illegal mining activities, pledging the unwavering support of the National Assembly in providing necessary resources to achieve this demanding goal.
In conclusion, the launch of the Mining Marshals Corps represents a significant step towards addressing the issue of illegal mining activities. The collaboration between the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, the Ministry of the Interior, and the support of the National Assembly signifies a collective effort to protect natural resources and combat unauthorised mining, ensuring sustainable growth and development in the mining sector.