The matter of illegal mining in Nigeria has been recently brought to the forefront by Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, who asserts that the country is suffering an astonishing annual loss of $9 billion due to this unlawful activity. Speaker Abbas has urged President Bola Tinubu to take immediate action to cease the operations of these illegal miners.
In the course of an investigative hearing on the operations of illegal mining in the Solid Minerals sector in the nation, Speaker Abbas conveyed his apprehension that illegal mining not only induces substantial economic losses but also contributes to approximately 80% of the prevailing insecurity in the northwest region of the country. He underscored that the communities affected by these illegal activities are living in a state of fear, severe poverty, and deprivation, instead of reaping the benefits to which they are entitled.
The Speaker underscored the adverse influence of illegal mining on Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape, citing environmental degradation and an escalation in poverty levels, especially among farmers. He emphasized that the exploitation of untapped mineral deposits in the North West region, where an estimated 80% of mining is conducted illicitly, has been a fundamental cause of community violence.
Jonathan Gbefwi, Chairman of the House Committee on Solid Minerals, echoed Speaker Abbas’s concerns, observing that the illegal mining sector poses substantial risks to the nation’s economy. Gbefwi stressed that Nigeria is incurring a loss of over $9 billion annually due to the activities of illegal miners. He also expressed dismay at the fact that the government only receives three percent of royalty paid to its coffers from the sector by a few licensed miners. Gbefwi underscored that unregulated exploitation of natural resources not only jeopardizes the sustainability of the mineral sector but also leads to environmental degradation and revenue loss.
It is imperative for the government to take resolute action to address the issue of illegal mining in Nigeria. By clamping down on illegal miners and implementing stringent regulations, the government can mitigate the economic losses and environmental impact caused by these unlawful activities. Furthermore, this will help ensure that the host communities benefit from the exploitation of their natural resources and prevent further escalation of insecurity in the affected regions.
The disclosures made by Speaker Abbas and Chairman Gbefwi underscore the urgency of the situation and emphasize the need for immediate intervention. It is crucial that the government collaborates with relevant stakeholders to address the issue of illegal mining and enforce stringent regulations to prevent further economic losses and environmental degradation.
In conclusion, the deleterious effects of illegal mining in Nigeria are widespread, and prompt action is necessary to curb these activities. It is crucial that President Bola Tinubu and other relevant authorities heed the Speaker’s appeal and work towards putting an end to illegal mining in the country. Only through decisive action and robust regulation can Nigeria aspire to address the economic losses and environmental impact caused by illegal mining.