Boosting Mining Operations: The Impact of Specialised Marshals

Dr. Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, recently delivered a virtual address at the Nigeria-Australia Investment Roundtable in Abuja. During his address, he underscored the significant impact of the specialized mining marshals in curtailing illegal mining activities across Nigeria. Dr. Alake emphasized that the introduction of the mining marshals has instilled a sense of order and relief for legitimate miners, while cracking down on those involved in illicit activities within mining areas.

According to Dr. Alake, illegal mining extends beyond unlicensed operations to include licensed miners operating with invalid licenses or outside of their approved coordinates. To tackle these issues, the government established an elite para-military force known as the “Mining Marshals.” This force consists of a 60-man rapid response squad deployed in each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with a total strength of 2,220 personnel.

In addition to combating illegal mining, the Minister also highlighted the government’s efforts to enhance the regulatory framework within the mining sector. These efforts include the revocation of 1,633 titles for non-payment of annual service fees and intensified scrutiny of other defaulters to curb speculation, license racketeering, and the practice of obtaining licenses without actual site operations. Furthermore, the approval process for permits, licenses, and the operation of mineral processing centers has been streamlined. The government also began publishing a monthly digest of mining statistics to keep stakeholders informed of sector developments.

Dr. Alake further reassured Australian investors of the advanced stage reached in establishing the private sector-led Nigerian Solid Minerals Corporation, which aims to foster Joint Ventures with investors in critical minerals such as Lithium, Gold, Baryte, Lead, Iron-ore, among others. He extended an invitation to the investors for the formal unveiling of Nigeria’s venture into the international mining business in the near future.

The Minister urged Australian investors to consider Nigeria as a prime investment destination, highlighting the country’s favorable policies and ongoing efforts to improve the ease of doing business. He emphasized that Nigeria offers incentives and facilitates capital repatriation for investors, including the possibility of tax waivers and exemptions from import duties for heavy mining equipment. Dr. Alake also underscored the country’s policy framework that ensures the free repatriation of investors’ funds.

The impact of the specialized mining marshals cannot be understated, as their presence has brought much-needed order to the mining sector, while safeguarding the interests of legitimate miners. The efforts of the Nigerian government to strengthen the regulatory framework and enhance the ease of doing business further underscore the country’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for local and foreign investors in the mining sector.