By Abdullahi O. Haruna (Haruspice)
Illegal mining has been a persistent problem in Nigeria, driven by numerous vested interests and a weak security infrastructure. The notorious mining mafias have thrived due to a lack of effective laws and punitive measures, turning Nigeria’s mining fields into the domain of unscrupulous elements, with Chinese citizens often leading these illicit activities. As a result, Nigeria has lost billions of dollars to illegal mining in its solid minerals sector, exacerbated by widespread corruption.
The Federal Government has frequently expressed its commitment to developing the mining sector to diversify the economy by increasing its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), exports, and foreign reserves. According to the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), the sector’s contribution to the GDP was a mere 0.5 percent in 2019, compared to over 12.1 percent in the 1970s. In contrast, the mining sector contributes significantly more to the national economy in countries such as Botswana (16 percent), Ghana (12.6 percent), and South Africa (7.3 percent).
Despite various efforts by the Federal Government to curb illegal mining, these measures have yielded limited results. However, a collaborative initiative involving the Ministries of Solid Minerals, Interior, and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) appears to be a promising solution to this long-standing issue. The NSCDC Mining Marshals have been actively working to protect communities and the environment from the rampant illegal mining industry.
Under the leadership of Commandant General Abubakar Ahmed Audi, the NSCDC established a special tactical force called ‘The Mining Marshals.’ Since the inauguration of the initial 2,220 mining marshals, significant progress has been made, including over 200 arrests of illegal mining suspects, 133 ongoing prosecutions, and confiscated minerals forfeited to the federal government. Assistant Commandant John Onoja Attah, a disciplined and determined leader, has played a crucial role in halting the alarming rates of illegal mining that threatened local communities and unimaginable revenue loss.
Despite their successes, the Mining Marshals face considerable challenges. Illegal mining is often protected by local mafias, leading to frequent confrontations, undue interference, and physical attacks. However, with recent support from the government, championed by Mr. Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals, the Mining Marshals continue to make substantial strides in combating illegal mining.
The illegal mining trade is highly lucrative, estimated to be worth billions of dollars, yet neither the states nor the federal government benefit meaningfully from these illicit activities. The mafia operates under criminal arrangements, using violence and intimidation to ensure their operations go unreported. Consequently, the Mining Marshals must combine physical policing with intelligence gathering to combat this menace effectively.
While celebrating the achievements of the Mining Marshals, it is crucial to acknowledge the devastating impact of illegal mining. A visit to any mining field in Nigeria reveals the severe environmental degradation caused by these activities. For instance, Olufofo, a coal mining-affected village in the Ankpa Local Government area of Kogi State, has been transformed from a flourishing agricultural area into a desolate landscape of deep pits. The encroachment of state-run opencast coal mines has deprived the villagers of their farming land, leaving them in a state of severe hunger and poverty.
The efforts of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps’ Mining Marshals offer a stimulus of hope in the fight against illegal mining. Their tenacity and bravery are slowly reclaiming the country’s rich mineral heritage from the grip of corruption and criminality. However, the battle is far from over. For Nigeria to fully harness the potential of its mining sector, it requires not only the relentless efforts of these dedicated marshals but also robust legal frameworks, enhanced security measures, and unmitigated political will. The success of this tripartite initiative can serve as a model for other sectors plagued by similar issues. As Nigeria continues to fight against the powerful and entrenched interests of illegal mining mafias, the support and involvement of every Nigerian citizen become crucial. The journey towards a transparent and prosperous mining sector may be arduous, but with sustained effort and collective resolve, Nigeria can turn its mineral wealth into a cornerstone of national development, ensuring a brighter and more equitable future for all its people.