The House of Representatives Committee on Solid Minerals has brought to light the concerning revelation that Nigeria is experiencing an annual loss of a substantial $9 billion (equivalent to N13.7 trillion) due to illicit mining activities taking place nationwide. This alarming disclosure emerged during a public hearing organized by the committee to address the critical issue of unauthorized mining in the solid mineral sector.
The committee’s chairman, Jonathan Gaza Gbefwi, articulated the adverse effects of illegal mining on the nation’s economy, emphasizing that it has significantly hindered Nigeria’s ability to fully harness its mineral resources. Gbefwi also expressed apprehension regarding the fact that only a minimal three per cent royalty is being remitted by a small number of licensed miners in the country. He further underscored that the negative repercussions of illegal mining have precipitated widespread insecurity and disputes over the control of mining sites and their resources. These conflicts have even escalated into violence, exacerbating existing political and social tensions in affected communities, and resulting in restricted data availability and inadequate measures to combat the illicit practice.
In an effort to shed light on the situation, the public hearing aimed to scrutinize various aspects related to illegal mining activities, under-reporting of profits by mining and quarry license operators, and the utilization of financial interventions in the Nigerian solid minerals sector, which amount to trillions of naira. Additionally, bills linked to the Nigeria Minerals and Mining Act (Amendment Bill) and Nigeria Solid Minerals Development Company (Establishment Bill) were also deliberated upon during the proceeding.
Furthermore, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, disclosed that individuals engaged in illegal mining activities have affiliations with influential figures who afford them protection. This revelation underscores the widespread nature of the issue and the challenges encountered in curbing illicit mining practices. Air Vice Marshal Nnaemeka Ignatius Ilo, representing the Chief of Defence Staff, echoed this sentiment, underscoring that many implicated in unlawful mining possess influential connections, and that foreign nationals are also involved in this illegitimate activity within the country.
Compounding the gravity of the situation, Colonel Tajudeen Lamidi, representing the Nigerian Army, reported that a total of 387 individuals have been apprehended in connection with illegal mining. The escalating number of arrests further underscores the magnitude of the problem and the imperative need to comprehensively address it.
The revelations emanating from the public hearing portray a disquieting panorama of the widespread and detrimental impact of illegal mining in Nigeria. It is evident that this issue carries far-reaching ramifications for the country’s economy, security, and social stability. Addressing illegal mining and instituting effective measures to combat it is imperative to safeguard Nigeria’s mineral resources and foster sustainable development. The findings from the hearing serve as a stark reminder of the pressing need for united efforts to combat illegal mining and its costly consequences.