Reps to tighten mining licence process to tackle illicit resource trade

Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house of representatives, says the lower chamber will introduce stricter licensing procedures in the mining sector to combat illicit resource trade and disrupt funding channels for insecurity.

Abbas spoke on Wednesday at the 8th annual conference of the Network of African Parliamentarians on Defence and Security Committees (REPAM-CDS) in Abuja.

The conference, which focused on regional cooperation and natural resource governance, brought together African lawmakers and security experts.

Abbas said poor regulation of extractive activities breeds corruption and funds violence, particularly in regions rich in gold, oil, and other minerals.

“Our continent faces many challenges. Poor management of natural resources, open borders, extreme ideologies, and alienation of young people are causing conflicts that threaten lives and institutions,” Abbas said.

“The Sahel region, rich in gold, oil, and minerals, has seen thousands of deaths just this year. West Africa recorded nearly 25,000 civilian deaths between 2021 and mid-2024.

“These numbers show that insecurity in one part of Africa affects the whole continent’s prosperity.

“Nigeria has embraced the responsibility of leadership in continental security. From early ECOWAS peace-support initiatives to our current involvement in the multinational joint task force and the Gulf of Guinea maritime arrangements, we reliably provide troops, intelligence, and mediation.

“Parliament supports this leadership through legislation, oversight, and ongoing citizen engagement.

“The struggle for peace is also a struggle for responsible stewardship of Africa’s natural endowments.

“Illicit mining, opaque oil contracts and unregulated timber corridors generate revenue streams that arm insurgents, corrupt institutions and deny communities the dividends of growth.

“Where resource governance is weak, violence takes root; where it is transparent and accountable, prosperity and stability follow. Nigeria’s recent reforms illustrate the point.

“The Petroleum Industry Act has overhauled Nigeria’s oil and gas sector governance.

“The Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative now publishes disaggregated revenue data, and beneficial-ownership registers are exposing shell companies that once siphoned wealth to shadowy networks.”

Abbas said to build on the reforms, he is sponsoring a bill to overhaul the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act of 2007.

He said it will reposition the nation’s solid minerals sector as a “pillar of the national economy at a time of dwindling oil revenues and an unavoidable transition to clean, renewable energy”.

“We intend to tighten licensing procedures, secure mine sites, implement community benefit-sharing schemes, and align environmental safeguards with global best practices, thereby cutting off illicit finance to armed groups and unlocking sustainable jobs for our youth,” Abbas said.

‘AFRICA MUST STRENGTHEN COOPERATION’

Abbas called for stronger cross-border cooperation to tackle the rise of cybercriminals, mercenaries, and illicit trade networks exploiting Africa’s porous borders.

He proposed the formation of a continental parliamentary forum to monitor resource conflict zones, collect data, recommend safeguards, and support community-led development.

“The people of Africa are watching us. They want us to turn our debates into real action — to protect democracy, dignity, and our shared heritage,” he said.

The lawmaker also called for a continent-wide agreement on digital sovereignty to help countries protect their cyberspace and financial systems without infringing on civil rights.

Abbas said the continent must unite with “unwavering resolve” to harness its natural resources responsibly, ensuring they serve and empower the people.