Victor EzejaNigeria’s military has alleged that foreigners perpetrating illegal mining activities in the country are backed by some powerful Nigerians who protect them from prosecution.
Chief of Defense Staff, General Christopher Musa, made this known on Monday in Abuja at an investigative hearing held by the House of Representatives Committee on Solid Minerals.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelPrime Business Africa reports that General Musa, who was represented by Air Vice Marshal Nnaemeka Ilo, lamented that some Nigerian elites are involved in illegal mining activities in the country.
According to the CDS, when these foreigners who are engaging in illegal mining activities in the country are apprehended by security personnel, they brag about their ties to influential Nigerians. He also added that, soon after their arrest, they will be released without facing any legal action.
“Most of the times when we catch these foreigners, they will tell us that they have connections. I don’t want to say some things, but sometimes you hand these people over and the next thing they’re released,” the CDS stated.
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While noting that the framework guiding mining activities in the country is good, he underscored the need for it to be strengthened.
“From our various operations and the statistics that we have, we notice that, first of all, the framework guiding mining in Nigeria is very, very good, but it needs to be strengthened. Why do I say so, sir?
“In 2018 or so, during the last administration, there was a ban on illegal mining in South Africa. South Africa and Nigeria, which even established a gold mining zone. Despite the ban, mining licences were being issued to people to mine in that zone. So, the strengthening of the institutional framework is very key.”
He urged the government to impose severe sanctions on perpetrators of illegal mining.
“Anybody caught in this illegal mining must be dealt with decisively and examples should be made for others to know publicly,” he stated.
Ilo further noted that most people in the communities where illegal mining activities are taking place are poor and lack access to formal education, stressing the need for the government to take necessary measures towards addressing human empowerment in the areas.
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On his part, Chairman of the House Committee, Jonathan Gbefwi, lamented that Nigeria loses $9 billion each year as a result of the operations of illicit miners.
Gbefwi, who is a member of the Social Democratic Party representing Karu/Keffi/Kokona Federal Constituency, Nasarawa State, said the 3 per cent royalty paid by a few licensed miners is the only money that comes to the government from that sector.
Speaking on the essence of the public hearing, the lawmaker said it is aimed at “investigating illegal mining activities, under-reporting wins (extract e-Products) by mining and quarry license operators, utilisation of financial interventions in the Nigerian solid minerals sector amounting to trillions of naira within the solid mineral sector and also the Nigeria Minerals and Mining Act (Amendment Bill) and Nigeria solid Minerals Development Company (establishment bill), respectively.”
He further pointed out the negative implications of unregulated exploration of natural resources like mining on environmental sustainability, adding that practical steps need to be taken to address the situation.
“Unregulated exploitation of our natural resources jeopardises the sustainability of the mineral sector, leading to environmental degradation and revenue loss that could otherwise benefit our communities and nation as a whole.
“It is imperative that we take as a matter of urgency, decisive steps and necessary action to address this issue and ensure that our solid mineral sector operates within the framework of the law, protecting our natural resources for future generations,” the lawmaker stated.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
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