The Federal Government is partnering with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to boost Nigeria’s response to the illicit mineral trade.
By Martha Agas
The Federal Government is partnering with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to boost Nigeria’s response to the illicit mineral trade.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, confirmed this in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, on Monday in Abuja.
Alake said the project would support the government’s efforts to tackle illegal mining and crimes funded by proceeds from illicit natural resource extraction.
Funded by the Canadian government, the project aims to build the capacity of criminal justice actors in fighting related financial crimes.
This includes detection, investigation, and prosecution of illicit financial flows linked to conflict financing, armed groups, and money laundering in the solid minerals sector.
He explained that President Bola Tinubu’s administration remains committed to tackling illegal mining through various targeted policies and reforms.
He highlighted the Mining Marshals policy, a unit he initiated under the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to avoid legal hurdles.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the unit’s personnel were trained in tactical and strategic skills to detect, engage, and stop illegal miners, bandits, and other sectoral criminals.
“In the illegal mining space, we created the Mining Marshals. I realised we needed a dedicated security framework for the mining sector.
“I sought the President’s approval for the unit. They have since arrested and prosecuted several illegal miners across the country.
“The aim is to send a strong message that illegal operations will no longer be tolerated. The results have been encouraging,” Alake said.
He added that more operators are now regularising their activities and complying with Nigeria’s mining laws and regulations.
The minister revealed that President Tinubu has also approved a satellite monitoring system to further prevent illegal practices at mining sites.
He said the system would help security personnel detect incident locations and dispatch forces swiftly to affected areas.
NAN reports that a UNODC delegation led by Project Coordinator on Counter-Terrorism, Mr Tom Parker, visited the minister in Abuja.
Parker commended Alake’s efforts, particularly the creation of Mining Marshals, who have arrested 327 suspects and prosecuted 143 since early 2024. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)