300 illegal mining operators arrested – Alake

This was revealed yesterday 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.

During the visit, Dr. Alake outlined several transformative initiatives aimed at rejuvenating Nigeria’s mining sector.

The minister emphasized the ministry’s progress in securing mining operations, curbing illegal activities, and positioning the sector as a vital driver of economic growth through a comprehensive 7-point agenda.

“At the core of these reforms is a robust security framework designed to address illegal mining—a persistent issue that has impacted local communities and Nigeria’s global reputation,” the minister noted.

“Since deploying over 2,000 trained mine marshals, nearly 300 illegal miners, including foreign nationals, have been apprehended, leading to a significant reduction in unauthorized mining activities nationwide.”

Dr. Alake attributed these achievements to the proactive support of President Bola Tinubu, which enabled effective inter-ministerial collaboration with the Ministry of Interior, facilitating resource deployment to safeguard mining regions.

“This enhanced security architecture is already yielding tangible results,” Dr. Alake stated, highlighting the reduction in illegal operations and its positive implications for stability and investor confidence. He reiterated the ministry’s commitment to creating an environment conducive to investment and economic growth.

The minister also shared the ministry’s vision of establishing Nigeria as a global hub for mineral resources. He noted that targeted outreach has attracted leading international investors, positioning the sector for mutually beneficial partnerships.

He emphasized policies promoting in-country processing and value addition, which are curbing raw exports and setting a trend across Africa through initiatives like the African Mineral Strategy Group. With rising revenue and global interest, Dr. Alake expressed optimism about the sector’s potential to significantly boost Nigeria’s GDP.

In his remarks, Hon. Garza Gbefwi, Chairman of the House Committee on Solid Minerals Development, commended the ministry’s efforts and reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to advancing transparency, growth, and robust support for the sector.

Hon. Gbefwi highlighted the importance of increased funding for agencies like the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) and the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF), which are critical to generating reliable geological data and driving sectoral development. He also stressed the need for a transparent licensing framework to minimize community tensions and foster sustainable growth.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Ogbe, lauded the committee’s advocacy for the sector and underscored the importance of continued collaboration.

She highlighted recent advancements in policy initiatives and community relations as outcomes of this productive partnership and reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to creating a transparent and efficient environment for the solid minerals sector.

With ongoing reforms, increased funding, and strengthened partnerships, stakeholders remain optimistic about the sector’s ability to drive economic diversification, create jobs, and contribute to Nigeria’s sustainable development goals.