The Nigerian military has announced its support for a temporary ban on mining activities in order to address the prevailing insecurity in the country. Chief of Defence Staff, General Chris Musa, made this declaration during a session with the House of Representatives Committee on Solid Minerals. The committee’s primary objective is to investigate the issue of illegal mining in Nigeria.
General Musa, represented by Nnaemeka Ignatius, the Director of Operations at the Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ), emphasized the connection between insecurity and illegal mining within the country. He highlighted concerns that banditry and terrorism are being utilized as a smokescreen to shield illegal mining operations. It is believed that banning mining activities for a year could facilitate decisive action against those involved in illegal mining and consequently contribute to improved security within Nigeria.
The military’s proactive stance was prompted by a statement made by House Leader, Julius Ihonvbere, who outlined the lower chamber’s readiness to implement stringent measures within the solid mineral sector. General Musa’s endorsement of the proposed ban on mining activities showcases the military’s commitment to combatting illegal mining and addressing the associated security threats.
Furthermore, the Chairman of the Committee, Jonathan Gaza, stressed the government’s willingness to address revenue leakages within the mining sector. Citing figures that reveal a £9 billion annual loss due to illegal mining, he emphasized the critical need to regulate the exploitation of natural resources to prevent environmental degradation and safeguard future revenue streams.
The Speaker of the House, Abbas Tajudeen, reinforced the House’s determination to take decisive actions against nefarious mining practices. He announced that the House is poised to conduct a public hearing on two key bills – the Nigeria Minerals and Mining Act (Amendment) Bill and the Nigeria Solid Mineral Development Company (Establishment) Bill, underscoring the government’s commitment to enacting comprehensive reforms within the mining sector.
The Nigerian government’s strategic ban on mining activities in Zamfara State, aimed at addressing insurgency, serves as a testament to the government’s proactive approach. However, despite this action, security challenges persist in the state, necessitating the need for comprehensive and coordinated efforts to tackle illegal mining and its associated security implications.
In conclusion, the government’s engagement with the military and legislative bodies to address the critical issue of illegal mining reflects a concerted effort to safeguard natural resources, mitigate security threats, and protect the country’s long-term economic interests.
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