The Nigerian government has undertaken significant measures to safeguard the nation’s mineral resources by deploying an additional 350 mining marshals across various regions. This decision is indicative of the government’s steadfast commitment to implementing reforms in the mining sector, as articulated by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake.
Earlier this year, the government inaugurated the first batch of 2,220 mining marshals with the objective of securing mining sites. These efforts have resulted in the apprehension of over 200 individuals involved in illegal mining, with 133 prosecutions in progress. Moreover, illegally mined minerals have been confiscated and forfeited to the federal government.
During the Passing Out Parade for the new operatives at the NSCDC headquarters in Abuja, the minister commended the collaboration between the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the interior counterpart. This partnership has been pivotal in combating illegal mining activities, and the accomplishments of the mining marshals have led to a noteworthy reduction in illegal mineral haulage and the activities of unlicensed operators nationwide.
The NSCDC Commandant-General, Abubakar Audi, emphasized that the new operatives underwent an intensive 8-week training program to fortify the mining marshals’ operations and intensify efforts against illegal miners nationwide.
Furthermore, the Nigeria Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF) has affirmed its commitment to fully harnessing the vast solid mineral resources within the country to make a substantial contribution to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product. This pledge was underscored in a statement by Idowu Jokpeyibo, Head of Corporate Communications, following a training workshop aimed at enhancing the capacity of Nigerian geoscientists in utilizing remote sensing technology for geological mapping and mineral exploration.
The workshop, held at the SMDF office in Abuja, involved technical staff from the SMDF, the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, and its agencies. This initiative followed a Memorandum of Understanding with GeoScan GmbH of Berlin, Germany to advance the exploration and development of Nigerian Critical Minerals using innovative proprietary technology.
Neil Pendock, an image processing specialist, emphasized the advantages of remote sensing technology, asserting that it is a cost-saving measure that can provide high-quality geoscience data necessary to position Nigeria as a global destination for mining investment. He stressed the importance of environmentally friendly mining practices to enhance investment and urged the Nigerian government to prioritize such practices.
The training equipped participants with the knowledge of how remote sensing technology can be utilized to address Nigeria’s illegal mining challenges and the significance of thermal data in geological mapping. This knowledge will not only enhance the nation’s exploration activities but also facilitate the discovery of world-class deposits that can attract investors.
In conclusion, the government’s actions in deploying additional security officers and enhancing the capacity of geoscientists through remote sensing technology are pivotal steps in safeguarding mining sites and exploiting Nigeria’s mineral resources for economic growth and development.