Federal Govt Cracks Down on Illegal Mining and Prioritizes Local Value Addition

The Federal Government has implemented a robust approach towards companies that fail to comply with regulations in the mining sector. The announcement was made by Dr. Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, at the launch of the Mines Marshals, a special forces unit dedicated to combating illegal mining activities across Nigeria.

The revocation of mineral titles is a part of the continuous effort to overhaul the solid minerals sector. In November 2023, a total of 1633 mineral titles were revoked due to various infractions committed by the companies involved.

In addition to cracking down on illegal mining, the government is placing significant emphasis on the importance of local value addition. Dr. Alake has stated that mining licences will only be granted to prospective investors who demonstrate concrete plans for locally adding value to the minerals. This is considered a crucial step towards generating employment and wealth within the country.

During an oversight visit to the ministry, Dr. Alake expressed his gratitude to members of the House Committee on Solid Minerals for their support in repositioning the mining sector. He stressed that changing the economic fortunes of Nigeria is a joint task that requires collaboration between the executive and the legislature.

Dr. Alake’s role as the chairman of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group has further united the African continent in the pursuit of local value addition, demonstrating a shared commitment to this important goal.

Regarding security, the federal government has finalized plans for a new security unit to safeguard the nation’s natural resources. This unit will integrate into the existing structure of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), with a focus on employing technology and specialized training to enhance security measures.

The new security unit is designed to secure mine sites, prevent theft and illegal mining, and will operate under the overall command of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development. A command structure will be in place in every state of the country to effectively manage security concerns related to natural resources.

Dr. Alake also underscored the significant contribution of sub-national entities to mining development. He emphasized that state chairmen of the Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO) and committee members nominated by state governments play a pivotal role in this process.

The international community has displayed heightened interest in Nigeria’s mineral resources, and Dr. Alake’s efforts in projecting the sector globally have garnered recognition. His election as chairman of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG) serves as a testament to the impact of the ministry’s 7-point agenda.

In conclusion, the collaboration between the executive and legislative branches is paramount for driving impactful reforms in the mining sector. The House Committee on Solid Minerals has expressed its commitment to supporting necessary legislation that will enable the executive to elevate the sector for a more substantial contribution to the nation’s economy.