The Federal Government has expressed concern over the loss of trillions of naira to illegal mining, particularly in states where regulatory oversight is weak. Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, attributed the challenge to Nigeria’s vast territory, which makes policing mining activities difficult.
“You should ask me how much the nation has lost in good, because it’s humongous, it’s mind-boggling, it’s unheard of. And why? Because we have a very vast territory, and that is what is also affecting even security. Nigeria is so vast, so to police every inch of our large territory is almost impossible. So all we have to do is to introduce gadgets.”
The Minister gave further insight on the actions the government is taking to stem the tide.
“We are procuring satellite equipment, satellite gadgets that will be installed in strategic places all over the country that would enable us to have visual effect real time of the operations in our mining sites all over the country.”
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Alake disclosed that four foreigners have been prosecuted for illegal mining, while 320 arrests have been made by the newly established Mining Marshals. He also stressed the need for greater collaboration between federal and state governments to improve oversight.
As part of broader reforms, the government is establishing the Nigerian Mining Corporation, which will operate with significant private sector involvement to ensure efficiency and sustainability in the industry.
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