The House of Representatives committee on solid minerals has revealed that Nigeria incurs a loss of $9 billion each year due to illegal mining activities.
Key points:
– The committee’s chairman, Jonathan Gbefwi, addressed these concerns during a public hearing aimed at investigating illegal mining practices.
– He indicated that illegal mining significantly threatens the economy, environmental integrity, and national security.
– Gbefwi highlighted the adverse effects, including environmental degradation and loss of potential revenue that could benefit local communities and the nation.
– The issue has also triggered insecurity and conflict over mining sites.
– House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas noted that approximately 80% of mining in the north-west region is conducted illegally, exacerbating socio-economic challenges such as poverty among those reliant on natural resources for their livelihoods.