Nigeria Cracks Down on Illegal Mining: 300 Arrests Made, Says Minister Dele Alake

By oluwaseyi Adediran

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In a strategic briefing with the House Committee on Solid Minerals, Minister Dele Alake revealed that the Federal Government has made significant progress in securing Nigeria’s mining operations and deterring illegal activities. This progress, he attributed to the proactive support of President Bola Tinubu, which has enabled effective inter-ministerial collaboration with the Ministry of Interior.

The minister highlighted the deployment of over 2,000 trained mine marshals, which has led to the arrest of nearly 300 illegal operators, including foreign nationals. This renewed security architecture is already having a profound impact on reducing unauthorized mining activity across the nation.

Alake emphasized that the ministry’s vision is to establish Nigeria as a global mineral hub. Targeted outreach efforts have successfully attracted the interest of leading international investors, positioning Nigeria’s mineral sector for future partnerships that promise mutual growth.

The minister expressed gratitude for the ongoing support from Nigeria’s legislative authorities and other key partners, emphasizing that these combined efforts are building a resilient foundation for the sector.

In addition to strengthening security, the ministry is also focused on promoting transparency and sustainable growth in the mining sector. The government has revoked dormant mining licenses and introduced new regulations to ensure that mining operations are conducted in a responsible and environmentally friendly manner.

The crackdown on illegal mining is a significant step towards achieving the government’s goal of reforming the mining sector and promoting economic growth. With the support of international investors and the implementation of new regulations, Nigeria’s mining sector is poised for significant growth and development.

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