FG Arrests 300 Illegal Mining Operators, Says Alake

This was revealed during a strategic briefing of the House Committee on Solid Minerals’ Oversight visit to the Minister, Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake at the ministry’s Headquarters, in Abuja on Thursday.

The visit saw the unveiling of a series of transformative strides aimed at revitalising Nigeria’s mining sector by Alake.

With a clear focus on the comprehensive 7-point agenda, the minister emphasised the progress made in securing Nigeria’s mining operations, deterring illegal activities, and positioning the sector as a cornerstone of economic growth.

The statement read in part, “At the forefront of this transformation is a strengthened security framework designed to combat illegal mining—a longstanding challenge that has threatened both local communities and Nigeria’s global standing. Since deploying over 2,000 trained mine marshals, nearly 300 illegal operators, including foreign nationals, have been apprehended, significantly reducing unauthorized mining activity across the nation.”

The minister credited the 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.

According to him, 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 strategic focus on in-country processing and value addition for minerals is helping Nigeria retain wealth that might otherwise be lost through raw exports. This policy is also setting a trend across Africa, culminating in the creation of the African Mineral Strategy Group.”

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’re setting Nigeria’s mineral wealth on a path to growth, resilience, and international respect,” he stated, adding with a smile, “But like Oliver Twist, we ask for more. We look forward to even stronger collaboration to achieve greater milestones.”

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, Hon. Garza Gbefwi, said the House Committee on Solid Minerals Development remained 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 said.

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, he explained 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.

Recognising the solid minerals sector’s importance to Nigeria’s economy, Hon. Gbefwi called on the Federal Government to prioritise funding for its development.

He encouraged the ministry to work closely with the president and other key stakeholders to secure resources that will foster the sector’s long-term sustainability and impact.

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 minimise conflicts, respect community rights, and ensure harmony.

The Committee, he said, supports efforts to enhance this process as a means to foster stable, sustainable growth.

Hon. Gbefwi also recognised the ministry’s progress, particularly in advancing the 7-Point Agenda, saying that, the committee stands firmly in support of these efforts, and remains committed to partnering with it to transform Nigeria’s solid minerals sector into a significant contributor to the nation’s economy.

In her contribution to the occasion, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Ogbe, thanked the Committee members for their continuous advocacy for the solid minerals sector.

She acknowledged that the Committee’s commitment to issues such as funding, policy guidance, and legislative backing has been invaluable in empowering the Ministry to fulfil its mandate.

“Together, we can achieve our shared objectives, particularly in increasing the sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s overall economic sustainability,” she said.

The Chief Accounting Officer noted that the Ministry will continue to count on the committee’s support in addressing challenges, securing the necessary resources, and enhancing operations across its agencies.

She highlighted that the Ministry’s recent advancements, particularly in policy initiatives and community relations, are a result of the productive partnership with the committee.

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.