The issue of illegal mining has long plagued Nigeria, leading to massive revenue loss for the government. To tackle this, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, recently unveiled a team of 2,200 Mines Marshals from the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to address this significant issue. While the establishment of this initiative is a crucial step, effective enforcement will require a collective effort from all stakeholders.
Illegal mining has had far-reaching effects on the Nigerian economy, contributing to widespread insecurity that impacts various sectors. This is particularly evident in the mining industry, which is disrupted by the activities of illegal miners, leading to massive revenue losses for the country. Despite Nigeria’s abundance of natural minerals and deposits, the nation has struggled to fully capitalize on these resources, unlike other leading mining countries.
This detrimental impact prompted action from various organisations, including the recent disclosure by the Speaker of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament, Mohamed Tunis, who revealed that Nigeria loses a staggering 91% of its revenue from the mining sector due to illegal miners. Additionally, a report by the Nigeria Extractive Industry Transparent Initiatives (NEITI) estimated that Nigeria loses about $9 billion annually to illegal mining and gold smuggling.
To combat this issue, Minister Dele Alake launched a team of 2,200 Mines Marshals from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) on March 22, 2024. These Marshals have been tasked with preventing theft and other illegal activities around the nation’s mineral resources, aiming to ensure that Nigeria can fully capitalize on its resources. The Marshals will also work to eliminate illegal mining and enforce the nation’s mining laws.
Despite the noble intentions behind this initiative, there have been concerns raised by various individuals. Some have questioned the capacity of the new body to handle this crucial task, while others have raised legal and constitutional concerns about creating a group within the paramilitary organization. These concerns highlight the importance of ensuring that the establishment of the Mines Marshals aligns with existing laws and regulations.
Legal experts have provided differing perspectives on the constitutionality of the Mines Marshals. While some argue that the actions are in line with the Constitution and relevant laws, others stress the need for precise alignment with existing legislation. This complex legal landscape underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to establishing and operating the Mines Marshals to ensure that they are effective and legally sound.
Furthermore, there is a consensus that the success of the Mines Marshals in addressing illegal mining will require collaboration with other security agencies and active involvement from patriotic citizens. The effective enforcement of mining laws and the prevention of illegal activities will necessitate a unified effort from all stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of collective action in preserving Nigeria’s precious resources.
In conclusion, the introduction of Mines Marshals to combat illegal mining in Nigeria presents a significant step forward in addressing the widespread issue of economic sabotage. However, the success of this initiative will depend on effective collaboration, legal alignment, and the active involvement of all relevant stakeholders. By addressing these critical elements, Nigeria can strive towards safeguarding its valuable resources and preventing the dire impact of illegal mining.