The Nigerian government is taking a stand against significant financial discrepancies within the country’s mining industry. Dr. Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, revealed that the government is owed trillions of naira in unpaid royalties and taxes by licensed mining companies. During a recent visit by Mohammed Bello, Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Dr. Alake emphasized the government’s determination to recover these funds and prevent further revenue leakages.
Dr. Alake expressed concern over the substantial amount owed to the government, stating, “From our efforts, so far, we have discovered to our chagrin that we are owed trillions of naira in unpaid royalties and taxes by legalised operators.” He also announced plans to hire internationally certified auditors to overhaul the revenue collection system and address the outstanding financial obligations.
This revelation sheds light on the challenges facing Nigeria’s mining sector and underscores the urgency of rectifying the existing revenue deficits. The government’s proactive measures not only seek to recoup the unpaid funds but also aim to fortify the overall integrity of the mining industry’s financial operations.
As the Nigerian government intensifies its efforts to address these pressing issues, the global community remains attentive to the unfolding developments within the country’s mining sector.