The House of Representatives, through its Ad-hoc Committee on illegal mining, has promised to recover the $9 billion lost annually to illicit mining activities across the country.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Committee on Wednesday, the Chairman, Sanni Abdulraheem, said illegal mining not only constitutes an economic drain pipe to the nation.
To arrest the scourge, the federal government launched the mining marshals in 2024. Their activities have culminated in the arrest of over 300 illegal miners in 10 states of the Federation, including the Federal Capital Territory.
Additionally, 98 illegal mining sites spread across the country have been shut down.
“It is estimated that Nigeria loses approximately $9 billion annually due to illegal mining activities. This theft of our resources that should be enriching our nation has gone on for far too long, and it is time to put an end to it,” Abdulraheem said.
According to him, the Committee is charged with blocking revenue leakages, enforcing transparency, and ensuring that the nation’s mineral wealth contributes fully to economic development.
“As we move forward, one of the core objectives of this Committee is to block the revenue leakages caused by illegal mining and its associated activities, which not only steal from our national treasury but also hinder the growth of legitimate mining operations that could contribute substantially to our national Internally Generated Revenue.
“Through structured oversight, we will strengthen revenue tracking mechanisms and ensure that the full benefits of Nigeria’s mining sector flow directly into government coffers, rather than being siphoned off through illegal mining activities.
“Equally important is the issue of criminality and environmental degradation linked to illegal mining. These activities not only fuel insecurity, but they also lead to the pollution of our waterways, the degradation of our forests, and the displacement of vulnerable communities. This is a matter of national urgency to tackle these issues head-on,” he added.
Stressing that the lower chamber would leave no stone unturned, he said the committee stands firmly on the constitutional mandate entrusted to it by Nigerians.
While pledging the readiness of the parliament to deal decisively with anyone found to be involved in illegal mining, the Committee chairman urged citizens to expose criminals in their midst in the interest of the nation.
“We are committed to fulfilling our oversight responsibility as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to expose corruption in any form, curb malpractices, and ensure that our resources are used for the benefit of all Nigerians.
“It is through such diligent oversight that we will rid our nation of the cancer of illegal mining, safeguard the environment, and protect the well-being of our citizens. Through the powers granted to us, we will investigate, gather evidence, and propose actionable solutions that will restore sanity and accountability to Nigeria’s mining sector,” he added.
On the Ajaokuta Steel Company, he assured that the Tinubu-led administration has shown leadership and willingness to revive the national asset.
“For many years, the Ajaokuta Steel Company has stood as a symbol of unrealised potential. However, I am proud to say that it is now on track to fulfil its true promise. The current administration has shown unprecedented political will to rejuvenate this critical national asset.
“This is reflected in the appointment of an indigenous professional to lead its revival, a move that gives us hope for the future of Nigeria’s steel industry. With Ajaokuta poised for success, we are looking at not just an economic game-changer but a cornerstone for our industrialisation, job creation, and long-term economic growth,” he said.
Representative of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Commander of Mining Marshals, Attah Onoja, assured the committee of the Corps’ full cooperation.
Onoja disclosed that since the launch of the Mining Marshals operation in March 2024, the NSCDC has arrested over 500 illegal miners, with about 270 currently facing trial.
“I want to say very quickly that over 500 illegal miners have been arrested in the course of this operation. And this particular number that we are talking about, about 270 others are currently facing trial as we speak today.
“Nigeria’s Security and Civil Defence Corps, as an agency, is assuring this Honourable Committee of our maximum cooperation, maximum support where necessary to ensure that this all-important tax is achieved,” he stated.
