On Wednesday, November 8, the House of Representatives called on the federal government to declare a state of emergency to combat illegal mining in the country.
The House further urged the Federal Government to form a special security task force, comprising the military, Department of State Security Services (DSS), Immigration, Civil Defence, and the Nigeria Police Force, to conduct a comprehensive operation to eradicate illegal mining activities.
In adopting a motion sponsored by the Deputy Leader of the House, Hon. Ibrahim Abdullahi Halims, the House also recommended that the government allocate a special intervention in the 2024 budget estimates to establish Mineral Monitoring and Inspection Offices, equipped with qualified personnel and necessary equipment and infrastructure, in the 109 senatorial districts across the country.
Halims emphasized the significant economic potential of Nigeria’s Solid Mineral Sector in contributing to the country’s development and expanding its revenue base.
He highlighted the vast untapped mineral resources in Nigeria that can play a vital role in diversifying the economy, creating employment opportunities, and increasing revenue generation.
Halims pointed out the urgency of addressing the challenges facing the solid minerals sector and its underperformance, as revealed in the 2022 report by the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI). He expressed concern over the impact of illegal mining on the environment, national security, and economic growth.
The motion addressed the loss of significant revenue due to unregulated and illicit mining operations, amounting to $9 billion annually, with only 3 percent royalties paid by a few licensed miners. These activities hinder the utilization of the country’s mineral resources.
Furthermore, Halims stressed the negative effects of illegal mining, including insecurity, conflicts over control of mining sites and resources, and escalating violence in affected communities, exacerbating existing political and social tensions.
He noted that the governors of Taraba, Benue, and Nasarawa States had taken action by signing Executive Orders to ban illegal mining in their states to protect host communities and regulate mining activities.
The motion called for the swift and decisive revitalization and development of the critical solid minerals sector by the Federal Government for the benefit of the Nigerian economy and its citizens.
