The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, on Monday said that about 80 percent of the current insecurity in the North West of Nigeria is due to illegal mining activities.
He expressed sadness that despite the potential benefits of these resources, the local communities still live in poverty. “The time to act is now,” Tajudeen stressed.
At the start of an investigation into illegal mining in the solid minerals sector, Tajudeen said, “Illegal mining activity has become a growing socio-economic challenge in Nigeria, leading to the loss of ecosystems and increased poverty levels, especially among peasant farmers who depend solely on environmental resources for a living.”
He noted that while Nigeria is rich in solid mineral deposits, the wealth from these resources has been stolen by criminals. “Reports indicate that an estimated 80% of mining in the North West region is carried out illegally, with the mining of largely untapped mineral deposits in the area at the root of community violence,” Tajudeen said.
He voiced concern over the harsh living conditions in mining communities, caused by neglect, deprivation, and severe environmental degradation. “Farmlands, crops, and economic trees are destroyed by mining activities, reducing their benefit and value to the residents,” he said.
The rise in illegal mining, he said, highlights deep social, institutional, and structural problems in Nigeria. Tajudeen explained that the investigation aims to guide efforts to curb illegal mining and assess the role of regulators in mining practices.
“The House’s decision to investigate illegal mining shows our commitment and determination to address nefarious mining practices and non-compliance with set standards in the solid minerals sector,” he said. He mentioned that the Nigeria Minerals and Mining Act (Amendment) Bill and the Nigeria Solid Mineral Development Company (Establishment) Bill, currently before the House, will have a public hearing on July 17, 2024.
Chairman of the House Committee on Solid Minerals, Hon. Gaza Jonathan Gbefwi, said the country loses over $9 billion annually due to illegal mining. “The only money coming into government coffers from the sector is the 3 percent royalty paid by a few of the licensed miners,” Gbefwi stated.
He emphasized the risks illegal mining poses to the nation’s economy, environment, and security. “The unregulated exploitation of natural resources jeopardizes the sustainability of the mineral sector, leading to environmental degradation and revenue loss,” Gbefwi said.
Gbefwi called for urgent action to ensure the solid mineral sector operates within the law. “As representatives of the people, the parliament is deeply worried about the loss of revenue through unregulated and illicit mining operations,” he said. He highlighted concerns over the negative impacts of illegal mining, which have led to insecurity and conflicts over mining sites.
He stated, “These conflicts have escalated into violence, exacerbating existing political and social tensions in affected communities.” The public hearing, he noted, serves as a platform for collecting insights and recommendations from stakeholders, experts, and affected communities. “It’s time to collaborate and take immediate and decisive actions to revitalize and develop this critical sector for the overall benefit of all Nigerians,” Gbefwi concluded.
