The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has called on legitimate title holders to reclaim recovered mining sites as part of efforts to curb illegal mining and enhance revenue generation for the government.
Speaking on Tuesday, the NSCDC spokesperson, Afolabi Babawale, highlighted the critical role of verified title holders in restoring lawful mining operations and preventing the exploitation of Nigeria’s mineral resources by illegal miners.
“We seal off illegal sites, secure them as evidence, and support verified title holders in resuming lawful operations. This approach prevents revenue loss and ensures sustainability,” Babawale said.
The appeal follows the NSCDC’s recovery of over 200 mining sites nationwide from bandits and illegal miners.
This milestone is part of a broader initiative by the Federal Government, which recently launched Mining Marshals to safeguard the country’s mineral resources.
Babawale disclosed that many of the illegal operations occurred on sites with valid mineral titles, often without the consent of the rightful owners.
By encouraging these title holders to reclaim their sites, the NSCDC aims to halt unauthorised activities while improving revenue through royalty payments.
“Most illegal miners operate on mineral titles already assigned to legitimate owners without their consent. With title holders ready to take over these sites, sustaining recovered operations becomes easier, and government revenues increase,” Babawale explained.
In addition to targeting illegal mining operations, the NSCDC has engaged local communities and traditional rulers to build awareness about the dangers of illegal mining.
The Corps has encouraged these communities to collaborate with authorities to promote sustainable mining practices.
By fostering cooperation between stakeholders, the NSCDC hopes to not only protect the nation’s mineral wealth but also ensure that mining activities contribute to Nigeria’s economic development.
With over 200 sites recovered, the Corps is urging stakeholders to take advantage of the opportunity to restore lawful operations and boost national revenue.
