FG Arrests 300 Illegal Mining Operators, Announces Alake

The Federal Government has arrested 300 illegal mining operators in a crackdown aimed at curbing illegal mining activities across the country. 

The Federal Government has apprehended 300 illegal miners nationwide as part of efforts to rejuvenate Nigeria’s mining industry.

This was disclosed during a strategic briefing by the House Committee on Solid Minerals, which took place at the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development’s headquarters in Abuja. The committee met with Dr. Dele Alakethe, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, on Thursday as part of their oversight visit.

During the visit, Alake revealed a series of transformative initiatives designed to revitalize Nigeria’s mining sector.

Focusing on the comprehensive 7-point agenda, the minister highlighted progress in securing Nigeria’s mining operations, curbing illegal activities, and establishing the sector as a cornerstone of economic growth.

The statement highlighted, “Leading this transformation is an enhanced security framework aimed at tackling the persisting issue of illegal mining that has endangered local communities and Nigeria’s international reputation. With over 2,000 trained mine marshals now deployed, nearly 300 illegal miners, including foreign nationals, have been captured, substantially decreasing unauthorized mining activities nationwide.”

The minister attributed the progress to President Bola Tinubu’s proactive support, which facilitated effective inter-ministerial collaboration with the Ministry of Interior. This has ensured rapid deployment of resources and personnel to safeguard mining regions.

“The new security framework is significantly affecting the landscape,” Dr. Alake observed, highlighting the positive changes resulting from decreased illegal activities. “By prioritizing the protection of our mining sites, we are not only securing Nigeria’s stability but also inviting investors seeking dependable collaborations,” he stated.

Besides enhancing security, Dr. Alake outlined the ministry’s vision to position Nigeria as a leading global mineral hub.

He stated that targeted outreach efforts have effectively captured the attention of top international investors, setting up Nigeria’s mineral sector for future partnerships that promise mutual growth.

Nigeria’s emphasis on domestic processing and adding value to minerals is aiding in retaining wealth that could be lost through exporting raw materials. Additionally, this approach is influencing a broader movement across Africa, leading to the establishment of the African Mineral Strategy Group.

As revenue increases and global interest grows, Nigeria’s solid minerals sector is being acknowledged as a catalyst for sustainable development.

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Dr. Alake conveyed appreciation for the continued support from Nigeria’s legislative bodies and other key partners, highlighting that their collective efforts are establishing a robust foundation for the sector.

He remarked, “We are guiding Nigeria’s mineral wealth towards growth, resilience, and international recognition,” then added with a smile, “Like Oliver Twist, we ask for more. We anticipate even stronger collaboration to reach greater milestones.”

The minister conveyed optimism that these reforms, which lay the groundwork for major economic contributions, will put Nigeria’s mining sector on a path to significantly enhance the nation’s Gross Domestic Product.

In his comments, Hon. Garza Gbefwi, the Chairman of the House Committee on Solid Minerals Development, stated that the committee is committed to promoting transparency, growth, and strong support for this sector.

“The Committee has consistently upheld a clear separation between legislative and executive functions, enabling the Ministry to formulate and execute its policies without any interference, he stated.”

He observed that this year, the group has adopted a more hands-on strategy by closely collaborating with every agency under the Ministry’s jurisdiction.

He explained that these engagements offer invaluable insights into the sector’s achievements and challenges, especially from key agencies like the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) and the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF). The aim is to tackle any obstacles that might impede the sector’s progress.

The chairman revealed that a significant challenge for the NGSA is inadequate financial resources, particularly in meeting its core responsibility of generating geological data.

Mineral exploration demands significant capital investment, making ample funding essential for generating reliable data that can propel the sector’s advancement.

With this in mind, he supported boosting funding to establish a seamless collaboration between NGSA and SMDF, allowing both agencies to effectively contribute to sectoral growth.

Acknowledging the significance of the solid minerals sector to Nigeria’s economy, Hon. Gbefwi urged the Federal Government to prioritize funding for its development.

He urged the ministry to collaborate closely with the president and other key stakeholders in order to secure resources that will enhance the sector’s long-term sustainability and impact.

Addressing the challenges of licensing and consent, the Chairman emphasized that careful handling is essential when it comes to obtaining licenses for exploration and extraction, particularly regarding community consent.

If the consent process is not well-managed, discovering valuable resources can lead to local tensions.

An open and inclusive licensing framework is crucial to reduce conflicts, uphold community rights, and maintain harmony.

He stated that the Committee supports efforts to improve this process as a means of promoting stable, sustainable growth.

Hon. Gbefwi acknowledged the ministry’s advancements, especially regarding the 7-Point Agenda. He stated that the committee firmly supports these initiatives and is dedicated to collaborating with it to transform Nigeria’s solid minerals sector into a major contributor to the country’s economy.

In her remarks for the event, Dr. Ogbe, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, expressed gratitude to the Committee members for their ongoing advocacy in support of the solid minerals sector.

She recognized that the Committee’s dedication to matters like funding, policy guidance, and legislative support has been crucial in empowering the Ministry to achieve its mission.

She expressed that by working together, we can accomplish our common goals, especially in enhancing the sector’s role in supporting Nigeria’s economic sustainability.

The Chief Accounting Officer emphasized that the Ministry will rely on the committee’s support to tackle challenges, secure essential resources, and improve operations throughout its agencies.

She emphasized that the Ministry’s recent progress, especially in policy initiatives and community relations, stems from a successful collaboration with the committee.

Dr. Ogbe reiterated the ministry’s dedication to creating a transparent and efficient environment within the solid minerals sector.

She expressed her belief that, with the continued support of the House Committee, the Ministry would keep advancing progress, generating jobs, and helping to achieve Nigeria’s economic diversification objectives.