In a crackdown on unauthorised mining activities, Nigerian authorities have arrested nearly 300 illegal operators, including foreign nationals, as part of an aggressive reform agenda to transform the country’s mining sector into a major economic driver.
The arrests follow the deployment of over 2,000 trained mine marshals across the nation’s mineral-rich regions, marking a decisive step in the government’s effort to secure mining operations and attract international investment, according to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake.
During a strategic briefing to the House Committee on Solid Minerals’ Oversight at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, Dr. Alake unveiled a comprehensive seven-point agenda aimed at revitalising Nigeria’s mining sector. The minister credited President Bola Tinubu’s administration for enabling effective inter-ministerial collaboration with the Ministry of Interior, which has facilitated the swift deployment of security resources to protect mining regions.
“Our commitment to safeguarding our mining sites is also a commitment to Nigeria’s stability and an invitation to investors who seek reliable partnerships,” Dr. Alake stated, highlighting the positive impact of reduced illegal operations on the sector’s growth potential.
The ministry’s vision extends beyond security measures, with ambitious plans to establish Nigeria as a global mineral hub. Dr. Alake revealed that targeted outreach efforts have successfully attracted leading international investors, while a new policy focusing on in-country processing and value addition for minerals aims to retain wealth that might otherwise be lost through raw exports.
This initiative has led to the creation of the African Mineral Strategy Group, positioning Nigeria as a trendsetter in continental mining policy.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Solid Minerals Development, Hon. Garza Gbefwi, emphasised the need for careful handling of licensing and community consent processes. “Without a well-managed consent process, local tensions can arise once valuable resources are discovered,” he warned, advocating for a transparent and inclusive licensing framework to minimise conflicts and ensure community rights are respected.
The committee identified funding constraints as a major challenge, particularly for the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA), which requires substantial capital for generating crucial geological data. Hon. Gbefwi called on the federal government to prioritise funding for the sector’s development and urged closer collaboration between NGSA and the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF).
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Ogbe, acknowledged the committee’s crucial role in advancing the sector’s interests, particularly in areas of funding, policy guidance, and legislative backing. “Together, we can achieve our shared objectives, particularly in increasing the sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s overall economic sustainability,” she stated.
The ministry’s reform agenda has garnered support from legislative authorities and key partners, with Dr. Alake expressing optimism about the sector’s potential to significantly boost Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product. “We’re setting Nigeria’s mineral wealth on a path to growth, resilience, and international respect,” he said, calling for continued collaboration to achieve greater milestones.
The House Committee has maintained a clear distinction between legislative and executive roles, allowing the Ministry to shape and implement its policies without interference. This year, the committee has taken a more direct approach by engaging closely with each agency under the Ministry’s jurisdiction to understand their achievements and challenges better.
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