- Nigeria loses $9 billion (N13.7 trillion) annually due to illegal mining activities across the country
- Individuals involved in illegal mining often have links with influential personalities who provide them with cover
The House of Representatives Committee on Solid Minerals revealed on Monday that Nigeria loses $9 billion (N13.7 trillion) annually due to illegal mining activities. This announcement came during a public hearing organized by the committee to investigate issues of illegal mining in the solid mineral sector.
Jonathan Gaza Gbefwi, Chairman of the committee, emphasized that this illegal activity has significantly hindered Nigeria’s ability to benefit from its mineral resources fully. He also noted that only a meagre three per cent royalty is paid by the few licensed miners in the country.
Gbefwi highlighted the negative impacts of illegal mining, which have led to insecurity and conflicts over control of mining sites and their resources. These conflicts have often escalated into violence, exacerbating existing political and social tensions in affected communities. Additionally, he pointed out the limited data availability and inadequate measures to control illicit practices.
“This public hearing aims to investigate illegal mining activities, under-reporting of wins (extracted E-Products) by mining and quarry license operators, the utilization of financial interventions in the Nigerian solid minerals sector amounting to trillions of naira, and also discuss the Nigeria Minerals and Mining Act (Amendment Bill) and Nigeria Solid Minerals Development Company (Establishment Bill),” said Gbefwi.
General Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff, disclosed that individuals involved in illegal mining often have links with influential personalities who provide them with cover. Air Vice Marshal Nnaemeka Ignatius Ilo, Director of Operations representing the Chief of Defence Staff, added that despite federal government efforts to curtail illegal mining, the practice continues because of these connections and the involvement of foreigners.
At the hearing, Colonel Tajudeen Lamidi, representing the Nigerian Army, reported that the army has arrested 387 individuals in connection with illegal mining activities in the last seven months.
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