In a significant move to safeguard Nigeria's economic interests, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has announced a major capacity boost for the Mining Marshals. This initiative is designed to decisively crush illegal mining operations and sustain the nation's economy.
Enhanced Enforcement to Secure the Nation
Addressing participants of Course 34 from the Nigerian Defence College in Abuja, Dr. Alake assured citizens that the ongoing plans to enhance the logistical strength of the Mining Marshals will rid the country of illegal miners. The Minister, represented by his Special Adviser, Kehinde Bamigbetan, detailed that this boost involves providing more vehicles, advanced equipment, and necessary weaponry.
This logistical empowerment will power the expansion of the agency’s operations across all 774 Local Government Areas, significantly improving the security of mines and miners. Dr. Alake affirmed that the Marshals have already lived up to their mandate by providing a dedicated enforcement agency for the solid minerals sector.
Tangible Results and Inter-Agency Collaboration
The Minister highlighted the unit's impressive achievements to date. These include the reclamation of 90 mining sites from bandits and illegal miners, the prosecution of over 300 suspects, and the consistent monitoring of 450 sites previously threatened by illegal activities.
Responding to potential concerns about inter-agency rivalry, Dr. Alake expressed his appreciation for the smooth collaboration with other military and security agencies, including the Nigerian Army and the Police. He credited this cooperation as a key factor enabling the success of the Mining Marshals.
Economic Impact and Sector Reforms
Dr. Alake also took the opportunity to outline the broader value chain of the solid minerals sector, covering licensing, exploration, community engagement, extraction, processing, and sales. He emphasized that his Seven-Point Agenda has been instrumental in sanitizing the sector and blocking financial leakages.
The success of these reforms is evident in the dramatic revenue growth for the Ministry. Total revenue surged from N6 billion in 2022 to N12 billion in 2024, and has now reached N26 billion as of October this year. This increase was achieved by raising compliance standards with the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act.
In a firm stance against non-compliance, the Minister revealed that over 3,700 mining titles have been revoked for failing to pay annual service fees or for not mining in line with the 'use it or lose it' principle. Companies have also been warned to strictly adhere to Community Development Agreements and meet their environmental obligations.
To further position Nigeria's solid minerals sector for international competitiveness, Dr. Alake pointed to the establishment of the Nigeria Solid Minerals Company. This entity is opening doors for investors ready to engage in joint ventures, signaling a new era of growth and partnership.
Air Commodore Olushola Oluokun, the Director of Information, Communications and Technology at the Nigerian Defence College, thanked the Minister on behalf of the course participants for the enlightening lecture, which shed light on various subjects being studied by the participants.
