The Chairman of the House Committee on Solid Mineral, Hon Jonathan Gaza, has disclosed that illegal mining in Nigeria results in an annual loss of $9bn to the country’s economy. He stated that the sole revenue generated from mining comes from the 3 percent royalty paid by licensed miners. Additionally, General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, highlighted that individuals involved in illegal mining often have influential connections that shield them from facing consequences for their actions.
In response to this concerning trend, the Nigeria Army has taken steps to tackle the issue by apprehending 387 suspects engaged in illegal mining activities. The House Committee on Solid Minerals convened a public hearing to examine the impact of illegal mining on the solid mineral sector. The inquiry revealed the adverse effects of illegal mining, such as insecurity, disputes over mining site control, and environmental degradation.
During the public hearing, Hon Jonathan Gaza underscored the necessity for transparency, accountability, and the rejuvenation of the solid mineral sector. He emphasized the urgency of addressing illegal mining to protect the environment and conserve natural resources for future generations. Furthermore, he stressed the significance of formulating strategies to combat illegal mining and its detrimental effects.
Air Vice Marshal Nnaemeka Ignatius Ilo, representing the Chief of Defence staff, outlined the challenges linked to illegal mining, including the involvement of elites, foreign individuals, and the connection between illegal mining and insecurity. He proposed bolstering regulatory frameworks and collaborating with the international community to effectively address the issue.
Moreover, the Nigeria Army representative, Colonel Tajudeen Lamidi, divulged the details of the arrests made in various states, highlighting the widespread nature of illegal mining activities across the country. He emphasized the link between insecurity and illegal mining, and the importance of interagency collaboration to combat the issue.
The Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, emphasized the devastating impact of illegal mining on ecosystems, poverty levels, and environmental degradation. He stressed the urgent need to address this escalating socio-economic challenge in Nigeria, underscoring the potential wealth that solid minerals could bring to the country and its citizens.
In conclusion, the public hearing shed light on the critical issues arising from illegal mining in Nigeria. It highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address the detrimental impact on the economy, environment, and security. It is crucial for the government to demonstrate its commitment to addressing this issue and engaging with international and local stakeholders to find sustainable solutions.