The Nigeria Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has been praised for its steadfast commitment to safeguarding the country’s mining sector, a crucial component of Nigeria’s economy.
At the annual Civil Society Organizations conference in Lagos, the national Coordinator of Stand Up Nigeria, Comrade Sunny Attah, expressed admiration for the Corps’ tireless efforts in combating the activities of illegal miners, which have been undermining the sector’s potential and posing a threat to national security.
Attah emphasized the significant contributions of the mining sector to Nigeria’s GDP, highlighting the extraction and exportation of minerals such as iron ore, coal, and limestone. However, the sector has been plagued by illegal mining activities, resulting in revenue losses and environmental degradation.
In acknowledgment of the NSCDC’s intensified operations, which have led to the expulsion of numerous illegal miners and the subsequent promotion of economic growth, Attah explained, “We have witnessed the deployment of NSCDC personnel to mining sites across the country, where they have been conducting surveillance and apprehending illegal miners.”
Moreover, Attah revealed that over 100 illegal miners have been apprehended in the past month alone, and numerous illegal mining sites have been shut down, affirming, “The NSCDC has made remarkable strides in securing the mining sector.”
He commended the Corps for aligning its efforts with the vision of the President Tinubu administration, aiming to diversify the economy and foster economic growth, stating, “The NSCDC plays a pivotal role in securing the mining sector, a key component of our economic diversification strategy.”
Additionally, he pledged continued support for the NSCDC in its campaign to combat illegal mining and create a safe and secure environment for mining operations.
Furthermore, Attah highlighted the NSCDC Intelligent Squad’s accomplishments in combatting oil theft within Nigeria, citing a drastic reduction in the activities of oil thieves due to their diligent efforts. Their successful operations led to the discovery and subsequent closure of illegal oil bunkering sites in the Niger Delta region.
“The NSCDC’s Intelligence Squad has been relentless in gathering intelligence and conducting operations to disrupt the activities of oil thieves, ultimately curbing significant economic losses to the country,” Attah affirmed.
Calling for enhanced support for the NSCDC and its leadership, he implored stakeholders to continue backing the Corps in its endeavours to preserve Nigeria’s revenue and foster a secure environment for vital economic sectors.