The committee noted that the apparent hesitation of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and other organizations to cooperate effectiv...
The committee noted that the apparent hesitation of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and other organizations to cooperate effectively with it has raised issues of concern.
The House of RepresentativesThe Committee on Mineral Exploitation, Security, and Combating Money Laundering has called upon the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, and the Director-General of the Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office (MCO) due to their alleged non-cooperation in the current inquiry into unauthorized mining operations throughout the nation. The summons was issued on Wednesday during the committee's resumption of sessions at the National Assembly.
The committee's chairperson, Sanni Abdulraheem, stated that the agencies' unwillingness to collaborate effectively has raised concerns, especially since both organizations play a central role in the reforms and regulations needed to tackle illegal mining.
He stated that the committee initially took a positive and cooperative stance in its interactions with the appropriate ministries, departments, and agencies.
Nevertheless, the Ministry of Solid Minerals and the Mining Cadastre Office showed no enthusiasm, even though they were crucial to the investigation.
Consequently, he instructed the committee's administrative office to send an official letter to the minister and the DG, calling on them to attend the committee on designated dates.
He mentioned that the EFCC and other anti-corruption agencies might also be invited to take part in the monitoring procedure.
Despite the amicable stance towards certain MDAs, especially the two government agencies that are crucial to this process: the Ministry of Solid Minerals and the Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office, there was not enough enthusiasm from them to welcome the committee.
"However, the committee has instructed the secretariat to write to the minister and DG of the Nigeria Mining Cadastre, requesting them to appear before the committee on set dates for each of the two organizations, ideally accompanied by the EFCC and other anti-corruption agencies," he said.
Mr. Abdulraheem stated that the committee is carrying out a detailed assignment given by the House, which involves thorough examination of the entire solid minerals supply chain.
He pointed out that the illegal extraction of minerals has evolved into a complex national issue, with significant consequences for security, income generation, environmental protection, and governance.
He mentioned that the committee's involvement is crucial for tackling the underlying flaws that have enabled the illegal mining industry to thrive.
As part of its schedule, the committee will visit organizations under its responsibility, carry out site visits at mining locations, interact with workers stationed in areas rich in minerals, and organize discussion sessions with agencies that have a direct or assisting role in the industry.
These interactions, he mentioned, will influence the committee's initial conclusions, which will eventually be gathered into a comprehensive investigation report for the House.
Mr. Abdulraheem pointed out that the current investigation encompasses all aspects of illegal mining activities, including their patterns, extent, and the individuals—both local and international—who benefit from this unlawful trade. He mentioned that the committee is looking into how illegal mining networks are organized, the techniques employed to bypass regulations, and the financial losses the country has experienced as a result.
He further elaborated that the committee is examining the performance of security agencies stationed in mining areas, particularly the NSCDC, the Mining Marshals, and other security units entrusted with safeguarding regions rich in minerals.
"We will analyze the functions, efficiency, and difficulties faced by security agencies operating in regions rich in minerals—specifically the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Mining Marshals, and other pertinent units—and evaluate their ability to safeguard mining locations and defend national assets," he stated.
In addition to security, he mentioned that the committee is examining how illegal mining exacerbates larger national issues, such as providing financial support for organized crime, causing community conflicts due to competition for mineral-rich areas, causing environmental harm that endangers local ways of life, and creating greater instability in impacted regions.
Mr. Abdulraheem noted that in various states, illicit mining operations have merged with banditry, smuggling, and the illegal arms trade, forming a hazardous environment that requires immediate legal and security measures.
A key aspect of the investigation, he mentioned, centers around financial movements within the illegal mining sector.
"The committee will investigate the financial movements linked to illegal mining activities, including methods used to launder, hide, or transfer the funds, and determine the roles of individuals, networks, and organizations involved in enabling these unlawful transactions," he stated.
Mr. Abdulraheem mentioned that the committee's last responsibility is to suggest methods that will prevent revenue losses, enhance openness, and guarantee Nigeria gains the highest possible legal advantage from its mineral resources. This involves changes that encourage ethical mining, boost institutional cooperation, and improve licensing, record-keeping, and oversight procedures.
To promote fairness and public responsibility, the committee will hold open sessions and engage with interested parties, enabling specialists, customary leaders, community representatives, non-governmental organizations, mining groups, and impacted individuals to present data and exchange their stories.
The committee is anticipated to present its results, final judgments, and practical suggestions to the House within the specified time period. Its report will serve as the foundation for potential changes in laws, policy modifications, and security measures aimed at safeguarding Nigeria's mineral resources and enhancing national stability.
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