The House of Representatives has taken a major step toward addressing the growing crisis of illegal mining in the country.
Lawmakers have opened a probe into activities linked to the Solid Minerals sector, directing key officials to appear before a special committee.
At the centre of the investigation is the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Dele Alake, who has been asked to explain the ministry’s role in the widespread allegations.
Also summoned is the Director-General of the Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office, Obadiah Nkom, whose agency oversees the licensing framework for mining operations nationwide.
The summons was issued on Wednesday during a resumed session of the House Committee on Mineral Exploitation, Security and Anti-Money Laundering.
The committee chairman, Sanni Abdulraheem, said the decision became necessary after what he described as limited cooperation from the ministry and the Cadastre Office.
He noted that the committee had previously adopted a mild approach, but the situation now requires full disclosure.
Abdulraheem confirmed that the two officials will appear before the committee on scheduled dates.
He added that representatives from the EFCC and other anti-graft institutions will join the proceedings as part of the investigation into suspected illegal mining networks across the country.
According to him, lawmakers plan to visit government agencies directly involved in mineral monitoring, inspect mining locations physically, and hold engagements with selected stakeholders. These steps will help the committee compile accurate findings for the House.
The committee’s mandate, issued by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, is broad. It covers the scale of illegal mining, the actors behind the operations, how these activities are carried out, and the revenue losses associated with them.
Lawmakers also want to understand why the problem persists despite several policy directives targeting illegal miners.
Part of the investigation will focus on the conduct of security agencies deployed to mining areas. These include the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the newly introduced Mining Marshals.
The committee will examine whether these agencies have the tools, manpower, and oversight needed to secure mining communities and protect national assets.
Beyond security, the lawmakers will review the legal framework that guides mineral exploitation in Nigeria. The aim is to identify loopholes that enable illegal mining and propose changes that can strengthen regulation.
Another major area of interest is the financial trail linked to mineral extraction. The committee wants to uncover how illicit proceeds are moved, hidden, or laundered, and who is enabling the transactions.
Abdulraheem explained that the probe will extend to individuals, organisations, and networks suspected of facilitating or benefiting from the illegal trade.
He noted, “The committee will interface with relevant agencies—including the Ministry of Solid Minerals, Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, EFCC, security agencies, state governments, traditional institutions, and licensed operators—to obtain submissions, documents, data, and expert opinions.”
Public hearings will also be organised to ensure transparency and give affected communities and industry operators an opportunity to make submissions.
At the end of the exercise, the committee will present a comprehensive report containing its findings and policy recommendations.