The House of Representatives has vowed to end Nigeria’s estimated $9 billion annual loss to illegal mining and ensure greater accountability in the country’s mineral sector.
The pledge was made on Wednesday during the inauguration of the House Ad-hoc Committee on Illegal Mining, chaired by Hon. Sanni Abdulraheem.
Abdulraheem said the committee’s mandate is to block revenue leakages, enforce transparency, and ensure that Nigeria’s mineral wealth contributes meaningfully to national development.
“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. It is time to put an end to it,” he said.
He added that the committee would work closely with relevant agencies to strengthen oversight and track revenue flows within the mining industry.
“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 activities,” Abdulraheem stated.
The lawmaker also raised concerns about the criminality and environmental degradation associated with illegal mining, noting that such activities fuel insecurity, pollute waterways, destroy forests, and displace communities.
“This is a matter of national urgency. Illegal mining not only robs us of revenue but also endangers lives and livelihoods. We must tackle it head-on,” he said.
He assured that the House would deploy its constitutional powers to investigate and expose corruption, curb malpractices, and restore order in the mining industry.
“Through diligent oversight, we will rid our nation of the cancer of illegal mining, safeguard the environment, and protect the well-being of our citizens,” he added.
Abdulraheem also spoke on the ongoing efforts to revive the Ajaokuta Steel Company, describing it as a critical asset with renewed government commitment under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“Ajaokuta has long stood as a symbol of unrealised potential. But today, with an indigenous professional appointed to lead its revival, we are optimistic about its role as a cornerstone for industrialisation, job creation, and long-term economic growth,” he said.
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Representing the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Commander of Mining Marshals, Attah Onoja, assured the committee of the agency’s full cooperation in curbing illegal mining.
Onoja revealed that since the launch of the Mining Marshals operation in March 2024, the Corps had arrested over 500 illegal miners, with 270 currently facing trial across different states.
“We are assuring this Honourable Committee of our maximum cooperation and support to ensure that this all-important task is achieved,” Onoja stated.
Official data shows that 98 illegal mining sites across 10 states and the Federal Capital Territory have so far been shut down under the government’s crackdown, as authorities intensify efforts to reform the sector and protect Nigeria’s mineral wealth.