Nigeria’s mining sector is rich in various minerals, contributing significantly to the economy, with an estimated US$700 billion in commercially viable resources. However, illegal mining activities, primarily led by foreign criminals, threaten this potential. Since 2020, multiple arrests, predominantly of Chinese nationals involved in illegal mining, highlight the crisis. Policymaking inconsistencies, corruption, and inadequate regulatory oversight enable these foreign actors to exploit Nigeria’s resources, particularly in regions vulnerable to banditry and local criminal networks.

The focus on gold mining attracts foreign demand, worsening criminal activities in the north-west, where links between illegal mining and armed banditry have been established. Despite its economic importance, the mining sector has been neglected by security forces until recent incidents highlighted its connection to broader insecurity. Furthermore, corruption within immigration services facilitates the entry of foreign miners under the guise of tourism.

Law enforcement officials recommend that the Nigerian government prioritise solid minerals to match its oil and gas focus. Comprehensive inter-agency collaboration is vital to address the influx of illegal foreign miners and their links to larger criminal syndicates. Community engagement is essential to combat illegal mining activities, raising awareness of their negative social, environmental, and security implications. Legal reforms are also necessary to enhance penalties for illicit mining and improve regulatory frameworks.

Nigeria, endowed with a diverse range of mineral resources, has immense potential for economic diversification and increased foreign earnings. However, the mining sector suffers from issues like illegal operations, insufficient security, and policy inconsistencies, which hinder its growth. Foreign criminals, particularly from China, have exploited these weaknesses, engaging in illegal mining, which is often linked to wider criminal activities, including banditry and corruption at multiple levels.

The illegal mining activities in Nigeria, particularly by foreign nationals, present significant threats to the country’s security and economic potential. The government’s failure to address these issues through coherent policy, adequate regulatory measures, and improved community engagement exacerbates the situation. Immediate action is required to reinforce regulations, bolster security measures, and enhance inter-agency cooperation, ensuring that Nigeria’s valuable mineral resources are protected and utilised effectively for national benefit.

Original Source: www.eurasiareview.com

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