Increasing Demand for Newly Formed Mining Marshals Indicates Strong Support for Mining Industry, Says Minister

In a recent development, the Nigerian Government has acknowledged a surge in demand for the services of the 2,220-man Mining Marshals, affirming the industry’s support for the policy. Dr. Oladele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, made this announcement during a key address at the mining conference organised by the Nigerian Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS).

The Minister highlighted that the mining firms have shown significant interest in the rapid response corps, with three firms requesting their services between 8am and 10am on the previous day. Consequently, the Mining Marshals are currently deployed in Osun State in South-West Nigeria, as well as in Kogi, Kwara, and Nasarawa States in the North-Central region, leading to the apprehension of some offenders.

Dr. Oladele Alake stressed that the Mining Marshals are integral to the administration’s approach in combating illegal mining, which poses a threat to the security of the sector. He further revealed that the collaborative effort with artisanal miners in forming co-operatives to legitimise their operations has yielded positive results, with 152 new co-operatives established between September last year and the last month.

Providing a progress report on the Seven-Point Agenda, Alake expressed optimism that Nigeria is on track to become a leading global mining destination, owing to ongoing efforts to reposition the sector. He also commended the NIPSS for recognising the strategic value of the mining sector in President Bola Tinubu’s plans to diversify the economy.

Furthermore, the Minister disclosed that the process of enacting legislations for the establishment of the Nigerian Solid Minerals Corporation is underway in the National Assembly, in collaboration with the House Committee on Solid Minerals Development. The envisioned corporation will have a private sector-driven structure, with 50% equity for the private sector, 25% for the public, and 25% for the federal government.

In a bid to mitigate the risks in the sector, Dr. Alake revealed that an aeromagnetic survey has been conducted across the country in collaboration with the World Bank, providing an initial analysis of mineral distribution and deposits. Detailed exploration is underway to provide investors with comprehensive data for informed investment decisions.

The Minister also highlighted operational developments, such as the revised guidelines for Community Development Agreement (CDA), mandatory consent from host communities before mining license application, and the federal government’s policy on revocation of dormant licenses alongside plans for value addition. Notably, global mining company, Glencore, has demonstrated interest in Nigeria’s mining sector.

In conclusion, Dr. Alake reaffirmed his commitment to positioning Nigeria as a global mining destination, urging the NIPSS to leverage the summit to propose recommendations for sustaining the sector’s development.

Overall, the demand for Mining Marshals reflects a positive outlook for the mining industry in Nigeria, and with the government’s steadfast initiatives, the country is poised to emerge as a top global mining destination.