Illegal Mining: Reps Promise To Recover, Stop $9BN Annual Loss

By Alkassim Bala Tsakuwa, Abuja

The House of Representatives has inaugurated an Ad-Hoc Committee on Illegal Mining, has pledged to recover and stop the $9 billion lost annually to illegal mining activities in Nigeria.

Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Sanni Abdulraheem made the promise while speaking at the inauguration of the Committee on Wednesday.

He described illegal mining as a scourge that undermines national revenue, fuels criminality, and degrades the environment.

He said, “It is estimated that Nigeria loses approximately $9 billion annually due to illegal mining activities. This theft of our resources that should be enriching our nation has gone on for far too long, and it is time to put an end to it”.

He added that, the committee is tasked with blocking revenue leakages, enforcing transparency, and ensuring that the nation’s mineral wealth contributes fully to economic development

Hon. Abdulraheem assured that every Nigeria generated from the country’s rich natural resources contributes to the nation’s economic prosperity.

He added, “As we move forward, one of the core objectives of this Committee is to block the revenue leakages caused by illegal mining and its associated activities, which not only steal from our national treasury but also hinder the growth of legitimate mining operations that could contribute substantially to our national Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

“Through structured oversight, we will strengthen Revenue Tracking Mechanisms and ensure that the full benefits of Nigeria’s mining sector flow directly into government coffers, rather than being siphoned off through illegal mining activities.

“Equally important is the issue of the criminality and environmental degradation linked to illegal mining. These activities not only fuel insecurity, but they also lead to the pollution of our waterways, the degradation of our forests, and the displacement of vulnerable communities. This is a matter of national urgency,to tackle these issues head-on. and it is why we are here today”.

The Committee Chairman stressed that the House would leave no stone unturned, he said the committee stands firmly on the constitutional mandate entrusted to it by Nigerians.

He said, “We are committed to fulfilling our oversight responsibility as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to expose corruption in any form, curb malpractices, and ensure that our resources are used for the benefit of all Nigerians.

“It is through such diligent oversight that we will rid our nation of the cancer of illegal mining, safeguard the environment, and protect the wellbeing of our citizens. Through the powers granted to us, we will investigate, gather evidence, and propose actionable solutions that will restore sanity and accountability to Nigeria’s mining sector”.

Speaking on the Ajaokuta Steel Company, he assured that the President Bola Tinubu administration has shown unprecedented political will to rejuvenate the critical national asset.

He however lamented that for years, the vital industrial asset has been underutilized, leaving the country to watch while other nations capitalize on similar resources.

The lawmaker added, “For many years, the Ajaokuta Steel Company has stood as a symbol of unrealized potential. However, I am proud to say that it is now on track to fulfilling its true promise. The current administration has shown unprecedented political will to rejuvenate this critical national asset.

“This is reflected in the appointment of an indigenous professional to lead its revival, a move that gives us hope for the future of Nigeria’s steel industry. With Ajaokuta poised for success, we are looking at not just an economic game-changer but a cornerstone for our industrialization, job creation, and long-term economic growth”.

He expressed his gratitude to the Speaker of the House, Abbas Tajudeen, for the confidence placed in him to lead the committee.

Speaking, the representative of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Commander of Mining Marshals ACC Attah John Onoja assured the committee of the Corps’ full support.

He disclosed that since the launch of the Mining Marshals operation in March 2024, the NSCDC has arrested over 500 illegal miners, with about 270 currently facing trial, and recently secured convictions that reflect the seriousness of enforcement efforts.

Onoja noted that the operation specifically targets illegal mining, safeguards critical national assets, and promotes compliance among legal operators.

He said, “I want to say very quickly that over 500 illegal miners have been arrested in the course of this operation. And this particular number that we are talking about, about 270 are currently facing trial as we speak today. Just three weeks ago, we secured convictions, and all these efforts got towards ensuring that with the market illegal mining activity in Nigeria.

“Nigeria’s security and civil defense corps as an agency is assuring this honorable committee of our maximum cooperation, maximum support where necessary to ensure that this all important tax is achieved,” he stated.