The Federal Government has arrested a total of 300 illegal miners across the country in a move to revitalise Nigeria’s mining sector.
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.
