The conflicts in northwest Nigeria are increasingly driven by competition over gold resources, exacerbated by environmental degradation and illegitimate mining practices. The artisanal mining sector causes severe health and environmental issues and has led to increased rural banditry. The government’s Presidential Gold Mining Development Initiative seeks to formalise the sector and create jobs, yet success depends on improved security and local governance.
In northwest Nigeria and much of Sahelian West Africa, heightened insecurity primarily stems from competition over scarce resources, notably exacerbated by environmental degradation and climate change. This competition has now extended to the mineral wealth of the region, particularly gold, which has led to intensified conflicts and illicit mining practices that damage the environment. Nigeria is rich in untapped minerals, including substantial gold deposits. The gold mining sector remains underdeveloped, contributing less than 1% to the national GDP, due to the dominance of artisanal and small-scale miners who account for about 80-85% of production. This informal mining leads to significant revenue losses for the government, with illegal exports estimated at 97 tonnes worth over $3 billion between 2012 and 2018. Moreover, artisanal mining is linked to severe health risks, including lead poisoning, which claimed over 700 children’s lives in Zamfara State between 2010 and 2013. The rise in illegal mining has also resulted in the emergence of powerful gang networks, leading to increased rural banditry and insecurity. Proceeds from illicit gold sales reportedly finance armed groups. To combat these issues, the Nigerian government attempted to suspend mining in Zamfara in 2019, but this ban was ineffective. A peace initiative involving incentives for repentant bandits has been introduced, but security remains elusive. In response, the Presidential Gold Mining Development Initiative (PAGMI) was launched in 2019, aimed at formalising the mining sector and creating jobs in states like Kebbi and Osun. Despite registering 20,000 miners, the feasibility of PAGMI hinges on successful implementation and addressing security challenges. A strategy prioritising local actors’ involvement and cooperative governance is crucial for progress, as the current security-focused measures have failed. The immediate goal is to restore peace and facilitate development in a region that cannot afford delays.
The ongoing conflicts in Nigeria’s northwest are rooted in resource scarcity driven by environmental issues and population growth. The competition for resources, especially gold, is rising, exacerbated by pervasive illegal mining operations which harm the environment and public health. The government’s struggle to manage these resources effectively while combating organized crime linked to mining has led to a precarious security situation. The Presidential Gold Mining Development Initiative offers a potential pathway towards resolving these issues, pending effective execution and community involvement.
Nigeria’s struggles with insecurity in the northwest are intricately tied to competition over gold mining and the lack of regulation in the sector. Despite efforts like PAGMI aimed at formalising mining and improving livelihoods, the success of these initiatives relies heavily on enhanced security measures and the involvement of local communities in governance. A multifaceted approach that includes cooperation among federal and state governments and engagement with traditional and local leaders is vital for establishing stability and fostering development in the region.
Original Source: www.cfr.org