The Nigerian Government has arrested 300 illegal miners across the country in a move to combat illegal mining.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake stated this
during an oversight visit by the House Committee on Solid Mineral at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria.
He said since deploying the over 2,000 mining marshals 300 illegal operators, including foreign nationals, have been apprehended, significantly reducing unauthorised mining activity across the nation.
The Minister credited this progress to the proactive support of President Bola Tinubu, which has enabled an effective inter-ministerial collaboration with the Ministry of Interior, ensuring swift deployment of resources and personnel to protect mining regions.
“This renewed security architecture is already having a profound impact,” Dr. Alake noted, describing the positive shift brought by reduced illegal operations. “Our commitment to safeguarding our mining sites is also a commitment to Nigeria’s stability and an invitation to investors who seek reliable partnerships,” he said.
In addition to strengthening security, Dr Alake shared the Ministry’s vision for establishing Nigeria as a global mineral hub.
He said targeted outreach efforts have successfully attracted the interest of leading international investors, positioning Nigeria’s mineral sector for future partnerships that promise mutual growth.
The Minister further said that strategic focus on in-country processing and value addition for minerals is helping Nigeria retain wealth that might otherwise be lost through raw exports.
He notes that with revenue on the rise and global interest growing, Nigeria’s solid minerals sector is gaining recognition as a driver of sustainable development.
Dr Alake expressed gratitude for the ongoing support from Nigeria’s legislative authorities and other key partners, emphasising that these combined efforts are building a resilient foundation for the sector. “We are setting Nigeria’s mineral wealth on a path to growth, resilience, and international respect,” he said.
“But like Oliver Twist, we ask for more. We look forward to even stronger collaboration to achieve greater milestones.” He added.
The Minister expressed optimism that with these reforms setting the stage for substantial economic contributions, Nigeria’s mining sector is on a trajectory to significantly bolster the nation’s Gross Domestic Product.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the House Committee on Solid Minerals Development, Garza Gbefwi, said the House Committee on Solid Minerals Development remains dedicated to advancing transparency, growth, and robust support for this sector.
Throughout, the Committee has maintained a clear distinction between legislative and executive roles, allowing the Ministry to shape and implement its policies without interference.
He noted that the group has taken a more direct approach this year by engaging closely with each agency under the Ministry’s jurisdiction.
These engagements, provide invaluable insights into the achievements and challenges within the sector, particularly from key agencies such as the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) and the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF). The goal is to address any obstacles that could hinder the sector’s development.
The Chairman disclosed that one of the main challenges the NGSA faces is limited financial resources, especially for fulfilling its essential mandate of generating geological data. “Mineral exploration is a highly capital-intensive activity, and sufficient funding is critical to producing reliable data that can drive the sector forward.”
To that end, he advocated for increased funding to facilitate a seamless partnership between NGSA and SMDF, enabling both agencies to contribute effectively to sectoral growth.
Recognizing the solid minerals sector’s importance to Nigeria’s economy, Mr. Gbefwi called on the Federal Government to prioritise funding for its development.
Addressing Licensing and Consent Challenges the Chairman, among other things, stressed that licensing for exploration and extraction is an area that requires careful handling, especially concerning community consent.
“Without a well-managed consent process, local tensions can arise once valuable resources are discovered. A transparent and inclusive licensing framework is essential to minimize conflicts, respect community rights, and ensure harmony.”
In her contribution, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Ogbe, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to fostering a transparent and efficient environment for the solid minerals sector.
She opined that, with the House Committee’s ongoing aid, the Ministry would continue to drive progress, create jobs, and contribute to Nigeria’s economic diversification goals.
Olusola Akintonde
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