The issue of illegal mining in Nigeria has been the subject of intense scrutiny, revealing that the country is suffering a significant annual loss of $9 billion due to these illicit activities. According to the Chairman of the House Committee on Solid Minerals, Hon Jonathan Gaza, the revenue generated from licensed miners amounts to a mere three percent in royalties. This revelation sheds light on the detrimental impact of illegal mining on Nigeria’s economy.
During a public hearing organized by the House Committee on Solid Minerals Development, Hon Jonathan Gaza emphasized the negative impacts of illegal mining, which have led to insecurity and conflicts over control of mining sites and resources in the country. He further stressed that these conflicts have exacerbated existing political and social tensions in affected communities, resulting in limited data availability and inadequate measures to control this illicit practice.
The seriousness of this issue was underscored by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who highlighted how those involved in illegal mining often have connections and boast of having links with top officials. Furthermore, the involvement of the elites in these activities has made it difficult to curb illegal mining, making it a pressing issue that demands immediate attention.
The revelation that illegal mining costs Nigeria a staggering $9 billion annually is a cause for concern, as the unregulated exploitation of natural resources jeopardizes the sustainability of the mineral sector, leading to environmental degradation and revenue loss that could otherwise benefit the entire nation. The urgency of addressing this issue cannot be overstated, as the impact of illegal mining extends beyond economic losses to encompass environmental and security risks.
The public hearing provided a platform for stakeholders to share their perspectives and insights into the challenges posed by illegal mining, with the aim of developing effective strategies to combat this illicit activity. The involvement of authoritative figures such as the Director of Operations, Air Vice Marshal Nnaemeka Ignatius Ilo, who represented the Chief of Defence Staff, further underscored the gravity of the situation and the need for decisive action.
In addition to the economic implications, the Bureau for Public Procurement (BPP) urged the House to halt the passage of a bill seeking to amend the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management of Nigeria Act, citing potential conflicts with the mandate of the Bureau. The Director of Civil Infrastructure stressed the importance of upholding global standards and ethical practices, highlighting the need to prevent conflict between regulatory bodies.
The significance of the public hearing in addressing these critical issues was emphasized by Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, who noted the dedication of the House to open, participatory, and consultative parliament. The Chairman of the House Committee on Public Procurement, Hon. Unyime Idem, reiterated the importance of the bill in shaping professionals in the field of purchasing and supply chain management, underscoring the role it plays in developing high standard professional skills and integrity.
Overall, the public hearing served as a pivotal platform for addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by illegal mining in Nigeria, urging collaborative efforts and immediate action to revitalize and develop the solid mineral sector for the benefit of all Nigerians. The concerns raised by various stakeholders underscore the urgency of combatting illegal mining and addressing the legislative and regulatory frameworks to safeguard Nigeria’s natural resources and economic interests.