The Senate has raised serious concerns over illegal mining activities across Nigeria, alleging that some retired military generals are heavily involved in the illicit operations. This revelation came during a Senate Committee on Solid Minerals Development meeting on Thursday, as the committee presented its report to the Senate Appropriation Committee.
Allegations Against Retired Generals
Senator Sampson Ekong, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals Development, revealed that these retired generals are at the forefront of illegal mining operations, which have been siphoning Nigeria’s mineral wealth. The assertion was echoed by Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who called for decisive action against the culprits.
Oshiomhole, a former Edo State Governor and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Interior, criticized the federal government for its inconsistent approach to combating illegal resource exploitation. While illegal oil bunkering is met with military force, he noted, illegal mining has been handled with leniency, allowing culprits to operate with impunity.
Calls for Military Intervention
Oshiomhole proposed deploying a Joint Task Force (JTF), including the Army, Police, and Air Force, to combat illegal mining operations, just as has been done in the fight against oil bunkering in the Niger Delta.
“The ongoing illegal mining across the country is being carried out by retired generals, and we know them. They arm and weaponize locals to protect their interests, use helicopters to cart away gold, and make billions of dollars from it,” Oshiomhole said.
He revealed that he had previously alerted former President Muhammadu Buhari about the situation, urging him to take action.
Economic Impact of Illegal Mining
According to Oshiomhole, illegal mining has significantly stifled Nigeria’s potential to diversify its economy. He stated that with proper regulation and enforcement, the mining sector could contribute up to 50% of the country’s GDP instead of the current 0.05%.
“Illegal mining enriches a few at the expense of the nation’s economy. It’s time to stop lamenting and act decisively,” he said.
Senate’s Recommendations
The Senate committee supported Oshiomhole’s stance and urged security agencies to treat illegal mining with the same urgency and force applied to combating illegal oil bunkering.
The lawmakers stressed that addressing illegal mining is crucial for Nigeria’s economic diversification and growth. They emphasized that swift action against powerful individuals involved in illegal mining is necessary to restore order and boost the country’s revenue from the solid minerals sector.