General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, recently addressed the serious issue of illegal mining in Nigeria, particularly the hurdles posed by influential individuals within the country. Speaking through Air Vice Marshal Nnaemeka Ilo at an investigative hearing in Abuja, General Musa expressed his frustration with the fact that foreign nationals engaged in illegal mining often assert connections to prominent figures, potentially leading to their release and undermining the efforts of security agencies.
The General emphasized the importance of tightening the regulatory framework governing mining in Nigeria, citing the military’s extensive experience with addressing illegal mining operations. He discussed how the existing regulatory framework, while strong in principle, requires significant reinforcement. General Musa referred to a ban on illegal mining in South Africa and Nigeria in 2018, during the previous administration, which aimed to establish a gold mine zone. Despite the ban, mining licences were illicitly issued for operations within this very zone, highlighting the critical need to strengthen the institutional framework.
In addition to advocating for stricter sanctions against individuals involved in illegal mining, the Chief of Defence Staff also addressed the underlying socio-economic factors driving this unlawful activity. He recognized the prevalence of poverty and limited educational opportunities in the areas where illegal mining occurs, emphasizing the need for comprehensive solutions that address these root causes.
The General asserted, “Anybody caught in this illegal mining must be dealt with decisively and examples should be made publicly for others to know. The third aspect we noted is poverty. In these areas where this illegal mining takes place, the people are poor. Virtually, lack of education is also part of it. Most of them that we get, have no formal education.”
The revelations made by General Musa shed light on a pressing issue that demands immediate and concerted action. The links between illegal mining operations and influential figures pose a significant obstacle to the enforcement of existing regulations and the maintenance of law and order.
In conclusion, the insights provided by the Chief of Defence Staff underscore the urgency of addressing the complex challenges associated with illegal mining in Nigeria. By strengthening the regulatory framework, imposing tough sanctions, and implementing strategies to address poverty and educational disparities, the country can work towards eradicating this detrimental practice and promoting sustainable development.
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