The revelation by the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Mohamed Tunis, that Nigeria loses a staggering 91% of its revenue from the mining sector to illegal operators is not only alarming but also sheds light on the dire situation in the country. With the mining sector having the potential to significantly contribute to the GDP of neighboring countries like Ghana, Burkina Faso, and Cote d’Ivoire, it is evident that Nigeria is lagging behind due to rampant illegal mining activities, particularly in the Northwest region.
The consequences of these illegal activities go beyond just economic losses. They have also led to a surge in insecurity, with incidents of banditry, kidnapping, and insurgency becoming more prevalent. The former Governor of Zamfara State, Abdulaziz Yari, highlighted that over $500 million was being generated annually from illegal mining in the state, with none of it benefiting the state’s economy.
In response to this crisis, the Minister for Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has taken a proactive step by collaborating with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to establish a special security unit called ‘Mining Marshals’. This initiative aims to combat illegal mining activities across the country and restore order in the sector. While there are concerns about the legality and operational guidelines of this arrangement, it is a crucial step towards addressing the issue at hand.
Efforts to reform the sector have been ongoing, with a focus on organizing artisanal miners into cooperatives and attracting local and foreign investors. However, the prevalence of illegal mining activities persists due to factors such as poverty, complex formalization processes, and the profitability of illicit mining.
It is imperative to tackle this issue head-on to combat both the economic crimes and insecurity associated with illegal mining. The establishment of the ‘mining marshal’ unit under the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development is a step in the right direction. By enforcing regulations and cracking down on illegal operators, Nigeria can harness the full potential of its solid minerals sector and safeguard its economy and security.
