Mining Reform as Nigeria's Next Peacebuilding Frontier
Nigeria's mining sector is frequently viewed through a dual lens: for some, it represents a dormant economic powerhouse crucial for diversifying the nation's oil-dependent economy; for others, it acts as a "resource curse," fueling banditry and communal violence through contested resource control. These opposing narratives often trigger a predictable governmental reaction: when security deteriorates, authorities impose bans and suspensions on mining activities. However, groundbreaking research from the Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRiNG) programme challenges this "security-first" approach, suggesting it may inadvertently exacerbate instability.
The Flawed Logic of Mining Bans
The instinct to halt mining in conflict-affected areas stems from the belief that cutting off economic activity will deprive violence of its fuel. Yet, findings from a study conducted in partnership with Levine Sources, the Centre for Conflict Management and Peace at the University of Jos, and the Centre for Peace and Security Studies at Benue State University indicate a more complex reality. State-imposed bans often create governance voids swiftly exploited by criminal elements, who leverage clandestine economies to fund rural violence. Rather than ceasing, mining frequently shifts underground during suspensions, leaving miners exposed to illegal taxation by bandits and escalating local disputes into full-blown conflicts. Evidence shows that violent clashes can intensify under such bans, with communal stability often returning only when mining resumes openly.
The Human Dimension: Livelihoods at Risk
To grasp Nigeria's mining landscape, one must look beyond multinational corporations. Approximately 90% of the sector is driven by Artisanal and Small-scale Mining (ASM), supporting an estimated 2 million direct livelihoods and millions more indirectly. These individuals are not merely "illegal miners"; they include household heads, youth, and entrepreneurs. The research also highlights the critical, often overlooked role of women in this ecosystem, who work as ore washers, processors, and service providers. When sweeping bans criminalize the sector, they jeopardize the primary incomes of marginalized citizens, potentially driving them into illicit economies and worsening insecurity.
Regional Insights: A Tale of Three States
The nexus between mining and violence manifests uniquely across regions, necessitating localized solutions. In Plateau State, mining sites have occasionally served as zones of cooperation, fostering collaboration among divided groups. In Kaduna State, a trend of "coerced stability" emerges, where criminal organizations tax mining communities to sustain their illicit gold operations, imposing a brutal order. In Benue State, a "lithium rush" is creating friction over land rights and unmet expectations, risking new violence without proactive governance.
Governance Frictions and the Path Forward
A key driver of fragility is the tension between federal and state authorities. The Constitution grants the Federal Government exclusive licensing rights, while the Land Use Act gives states control over land, creating a legal grey area exploited by local elites. This confusion breeds resentment when communities see mineral wealth extracted without benefiting from basic services or environmental protection. To address this, mining reform must be reframed as a strategic peacebuilding tool with three shifts: moving from criminalization to professionalization of ASM, implementing community-centered security involving local groups, and promoting harmonized governance that aligns federal, state, and local processes while ensuring mining revenues fund community development.
As demand for minerals like gold, lithium, tin, and lead remains high, Nigeria faces a choice: leave mining in the shadows to fuel crime or bring it into the light through inclusive, transparent mechanisms. Opting for reform not only revitalizes an industry but also builds a more resilient, peaceful, and economically viable nation.
