Nigeria Unveils Satellite surveillance to Revolutionise Mining Sector

The Nigerian Government has unveiled a 2.5-billion-naira Satellite Surveillance System aimed at revolutionising the mining sector by boosting efficiency, improving safety measures, and fostering economic growth.

Speaking exclusively with Voice of Nigeria, the Managing Director of MikyWay Visuals Limited, Dr. Olugbenga Oyewole, detailed how the satellite technology will transform Nigeria’s mining landscape.

Dr. Oyewole, who represents the commercial wing of the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), the body responsible for implementing the satellite infrastructure, described MikyWay Visuals Limited as a “pseudo-government company,” highlighting its ties with the government through NASRDA.

“By using satellite data, we are able to monitor, assess, and provide actionable insights to help improve Nigeria’s mining sector,” he noted.

He said the key component of the satellite monitoring system is the creation of a comprehensive mineral map of Nigeria, which will outline the locations of various mineral deposits across the country, “by integrating satellite data with mining licenses issued by the Ministry of Solid Minerals, inspectors can easily identify illegal mining activities and ensure compliance with regulations.”

The Managing Director further explained that miners will be equipped with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), tagged ID cards, which will enable authorities to verify the legitimacy of mining operations.

He noted that the satellite surveillance also serves a crucial safety function by assessing the integrity of mining sites.

“If a mine is at risk of collapse, the technology will trigger early warnings, allowing authorities to evacuate workers and prevent disasters.

“Satellite data gives us an overview of the entire country, and it doesn’t forget anything,” he said.

Oyewole stated that the system will track the movement of mined materials, process taxes and royalties, and generate QR codes that will facilitate the traceability of minerals as they are transported across the country.

“When customs or law enforcement encounter a truck carrying minerals, they can scan the QR code to verify the authenticity and trace the mineral back to its source,” he explained.

The first phase of the project will include the implementation of these technologies, while the second phase will focus on deploying the electronic reporting platform.

“The goal is to optimise revenue, enhance safety, and ensure that Nigeria’s mining industry operates responsibly and sustainably.”

Oyewole emphasised the principle of “working smart” in operations, noting that targeted strategies can significantly enhance efficiency.

For instance, rather than monitoring every border for illegal exports, customs officials can focus on specific routes, optimising resources.

This smart approach also extends to the mining sector, where inspectors can be directed to high-activity areas, minimising unnecessary manpower.

Oyewole explained that in cases where real-time data is needed, “drones connected to satellite communication are employed for live monitoring.”

Citing the ability to provide live footage of mining operations and share it instantly with government officials, allowing them to direct their teams efficiently.

He also touched on the security of satellite surveillance data, emphasising that access would be restricted on a “need-to-know” basis.

Mining inspectors would only have access to information relevant to their operations, while sensitive data would be available to select agencies like the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, National Security Adviser (NSA), and the Department of State Services (DSS).

In addition, the technology allows for the review of historical data, which can be crucial for tracking unpaid revenues or past illegal activities.

On the topic of satellite and security data, Oyewole mentioned that the technology being used is beyond reproach.

“You can’t deceive anyone,” he said, referring to spectrophotometers and RFID chips that ensure the authenticity of materials being transported.

“If you are carrying in a truck, maybe you are carrying maybe some gold sand or something, and you get to the customs or anybody, or you meet the mining marshal, and you tell them that this is a bentonite, I’m going to just apply for them to drill pretending as if it’s ordinary sand.

“The spectrophotometer, once you point it at it, it will tell you exactly what and what are in that thing that you are carrying.”

In addressing concerns about the potential for corruption or compromise, Oyewole was confident that the transparency of the technology would eliminate such risks.

“Even if I, as the managing director, were to compromise, the ministry, NSA, or DSS would have access to the same data, making any attempts at deceit impossible.”

Oyewole also advocated for the establishment of refineries in Nigeria to further process minerals, such as gold, to international standards.

By doing so, he suggested, Nigeria could ensure the traceability of its minerals and maximise their economic value.

The government’s proactive approach to creating a traceable and responsible mining industry, he added, will be a key factor in boosting Nigeria’s global competitiveness in the sector.

He believes Nigeria embracing geospatial technology, is essential to effective national governance.

“The difference between Nigeria and America, lies in the use of technology and data agency collaboration. If we leverage these properly, Nigeria can emerge as a global leader, just as America has and we are excited, and this will not be another abandoned project,” he concluded.