Reps move to end Nigeria’s $9bn annual loss to illegal mining

The house of representatives ad hoc committee on illegal mining has vowed to end the country’s $9 billion annual loss to illegal mining and restore tranparency and accountability in the solid minerals sector.

Sani Abdulraheem, chairman of the committee, spoke in Abuja on Thursday shortly after the inauguration of the panel and described the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) mining marshals as key partners in the renewed national effort to curb the multibillion-naira menace.

Abdulraheem said the initiative reflects the house’s commitment to ending a crisis that has fuelled economic losses, insecurity, and environmental degradation.

“Our mission is clear — to block revenue leakages, enforce transparency, and ensure that every naira from our natural resources contributes to national prosperity,” he said.

He noted that illegal mining has become both an economic crime and a threat to national stability, stressing that the NSCDC’s mining marshals are vital to enforcement efforts.

“Their field intelligence, operational reach, and enforcement capability make them a key partner in addressing the scourge,” he added.

Abdulraheem said the committee’s mandate extends beyond oversight, stressing that it represents a legislative drive to restore order, transparency, and economic value to the solid minerals sector.

“We will leave no stone unturned in reclaiming this sector from criminality and inefficiency,” he said.

John Attah, the commander of the mining marshals, who represented Ahmed Audi, commandant-general of the NSCDC, hailed the committee’s inauguration as “a milestone in Nigeria’s collective resolve to secure its mineral assets”.

Attah said the mining marshals were established under President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda, through the joint leadership of Dele Alake, minister of solid minerals development; Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, minister of interior; and Audi.

He explained that the corps has intensified efforts to sanitise the mining environment, protect legitimate investors, and secure critical mineral assets across the country.

“Since our inauguration, we have made significant strides — dismantling illegal mining networks, arresting perpetrators, and confiscating illicit minerals,” Attah said.

“But we know we cannot do it alone. The support of the national assembly and other stakeholders is essential to strengthen our operations and close the legal gaps that embolden offenders.”

He urged lawmakers to strengthen budgetary support, foster inter-agency collaboration, and tighten the legal framework to discourage complicity in illegal mining.

Attah reaffirmed the NSCDC’s “unwavering commitment to ensuring that Nigeria’s mineral resources are harnessed for the benefit of all citizens.”