The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has vowed that there will be no safe haven for illegal miners in Nigeria. He emphasized that the government is strengthening the operations of the Mining Marshals, a special corps created to combat illegal mining activities, and ensuring nationwide coverage to eliminate these illegal operations.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Alake marked the one-year anniversary of the Mining Marshals. He expressed satisfaction with the progress made in disrupting illegal mining activities and restoring confidence in the mining sector. The creation of the corps, he said, has had a significant impact on curbing unauthorized mining, benefiting both the environment and the economy.
The Mining Marshals, which were established last year, were tasked with enforcing the provisions of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act (NMMA). Since their activation, they have struck fear into illegal operators, making it harder for them to carry on their activities without facing consequences. Alake highlighted the achievements of the corps over the past year, which have greatly impacted the mining industry.
“The activation of the corps to enforce the provisions of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act has disrupted illegal mining activities and served as a deterrent,” Alake said. He noted that in the course of their operations, the marshals have carried out direct engagements in 10 states, including Niger, Kogi, Nasarawa, Akwa Ibom, Ondo, Kaduna, Enugu, Abia, Kwara, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). These operations led to the arrest of 327 suspected illegal miners, the arraignment of 143 suspects, and the recovery of 98 mining sites. In addition, 457 illegal mining sites were identified.
Alake pointed out that while the operations of the Mining Marshals have made significant progress, logistical challenges have limited their full potential. However, with the increased budgetary allocation for the Ministry in the 2025 fiscal year, these challenges are expected to be addressed, and the marshals’ reach will be expanded across the country.
Dr. Alake thanked President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly for approving a budget that reflects the Ministry’s responsibilities. This funding, he said, will provide the necessary resources to fully equip the Mining Marshals and improve their operational effectiveness. As a result, the government is set to enhance the corps’ capability to monitor and prevent illegal mining activities nationwide.
The recent approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to allocate N2.5 billion for satellite technology will further strengthen the Ministry’s efforts. The technology is expected to improve the security of the mining sector by providing air and ground surveillance, helping the Mining Marshals to monitor illegal mining activities more effectively. This marks a major step forward in sanitizing the mining sector.
In assessing the impact of the Mining Marshals over the past year, Alake highlighted that the corps had grown from 2,220 operatives to 2,670 operatives. This increase in personnel has allowed for more extensive coverage and greater enforcement of laws against illegal mining activities. The presence of the Mining Marshals has raised awareness of the government’s efforts to combat illegal mining and has deterred many illegal operators.
In addition to the deterrent effect, Alake noted that the activities of the Mining Marshals have contributed to a significant increase in revenue generation from the mining sector. The disruption of illegal mining has resulted in improved governance of the sector, creating an environment more conducive for legitimate businesses and investors.
Alake also praised the leadership of the Commandant of the Mining Marshals, ACC John Attah Onoja, for his dedication and guidance in ensuring the success of the corps. The Minister commended Onoja for his role in making the corps more efficient and effective in curbing illegal mining activities. “The leadership of Commandant ACC John Attah Onoja has been vital in the successes of the corps,” Alake said, affirming the government’s commitment to providing better logistics, more personnel, and additional resources to the corps.
Commandant Onoja expressed his gratitude to the Minister for his unwavering support and for approving the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), which has played a crucial role in the success of the Mining Marshals. He highlighted the importance of the new logistics and resources being provided to the corps, which will allow them to ramp up their efforts in the fight against illegal mining.
With improved funding and resources, Onoja emphasized that the Mining Marshals are now more motivated than ever to continue their mission of cleaning up the mining sector and ensuring that all mining operations comply with the law. “The corps is determined to ramp up its efforts to curb illegal mining, with a clear goal of sanitizing the mining sector and ensuring sustainable practices,” Onoja said.
Illegal mining has been a major problem in Nigeria, with devastating environmental and economic impacts. The practice has led to the destruction of ecosystems, loss of biodiversity, and pollution of water sources. Furthermore, illegal mining undermines the formal mining sector, depriving the government of revenue and discouraging legitimate investment in the sector.
The Nigerian government has long recognized the need to address illegal mining, and the establishment of the Mining Marshals is a significant step in that direction. By creating a dedicated force to tackle this issue, the government hopes to restore order to the mining sector, protect the environment, and increase revenue from the industry.
In addition to the work of the Mining Marshals, the government has also been working to promote sustainable mining practices, attract investment into the sector, and ensure that the benefits of mining are distributed fairly. The continued fight against illegal mining is seen as a critical component of the government’s broader efforts to improve the country’s solid minerals sector and ensure that it contributes to national development.
As the battle against illegal mining continues, the government remains committed to ensuring that Nigeria’s mining sector is properly regulated, sustainable, and beneficial to the country’s economy. With the increased support for the Mining Marshals, the deployment of satellite technology, and the commitment to better resources and personnel, Nigeria is taking significant steps toward curbing illegal mining and protecting its natural resources.
Dr. Dele Alake’s announcement signals a renewed commitment to tackling illegal mining head-on, and the efforts of the Mining Marshals will play a key role in achieving the government’s goals. With the strengthened operational capacity and nationwide coverage of the corps, the government is optimistic that illegal mining activities will be significantly reduced, paving the way for a more sustainable and profitable mining sector in Nigeria.
