Assistant Commandant Attah John Onoja, Commander of the Mining Marshals under the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has called on Nigeria to embrace "Strategic Resource Nationalism" as a pathway to economic diversification and reduced dependence on crude oil. He made this appeal on Thursday, October 1, while delivering a keynote address at the 4th Nigerian Nation Builders Annual Conference in Abuja, themed "Effective Harnessing and Utilisation of Solid Minerals as Panacea for Nation Building in Nigeria."
Nigeria's Untapped Mineral Wealth and Economic Potential
Onoja told conference participants that Nigeria possesses more than 44 commercially viable solid minerals spread across over 500 locations in every geopolitical zone. Despite this abundance, the sector has historically contributed only marginally to the nation's Gross Domestic Product, presenting a significant opportunity for economic diversification, job creation, and industrialisation if properly harnessed.
Drawing comparisons with countries like Japan, China, and India, Onoja noted that these nations transformed their economies by prioritising national interest in managing strategic resources. He urged Nigeria to view its minerals not merely as export commodities but as instruments for industrial growth and technological advancement, warning that illegal mining remains a critical threat to national development.
Mining Marshals' Enforcement Achievements
Sharing operational successes, Onoja disclosed that the Mining Marshals have made approximately 700 arrests connected to illegal mining operations, with several cases currently being tried at the Federal High Court. The unit has also recovered more than 100 mining sites from illegal operators and returned them to their legitimate owners.
He emphasised that the Mining Marshals were established not only as an enforcement body but as a strategic institution designed to protect title holders, secure mining communities, and attract genuine investment. Onoja also highlighted ongoing reforms covering artisanal mining formalisation, value addition, and enforceable development agreements to ensure host communities benefit directly from mining activities.
Defence Ministry Endorsement and Call for Collective Action
Rear Admiral Olusanya Bankole (Rtd.), representing the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, praised Onoja's leadership and commitment to safeguarding Nigeria's mineral assets. Bankole described Onoja as a symbol of dedicated public service in the extractive sector, noting that his work has helped restore investor confidence and protect national revenues.
In his closing remarks, Onoja called on traditional rulers, legislators, the judiciary, and local communities to collectively support the protection of Nigeria's mineral resources, insisting that the wealth beneath the country's soil must translate into prosperity for ordinary Nigerians. The conference brought together participants from government, the private sector, academia, and civil society.
Broader Enforcement Operations Continue
In a related development, Legit.ng previously reported that the Mining Marshals conducted a joint enforcement and compliance operation across several locations in Nasarawa state, targeting illegal mining activities and verifying that licenced mineral title holders operate within approved boundaries. The operation, triggered by complaints of unlawful mineral exploitation, aimed to protect mining assets and prevent resource theft by ensuring legitimate operators do not stray outside designated coordinates.
