By Mercy Gadia Adi
The House of Representatives has inaugurated an ad hoc committee to investigate and combat illegal mining across Nigeria, with the aim of recovering an estimated $9 billion the country loses annually to the illicit activity.
Chairman of the committee, Hon. Sanni Abdulraheem, speaking during the inauguration in Abuja, described illegal mining as a “national menace” responsible for massive revenue loss, insecurity, and environmental degradation.
“It is estimated that Nigeria loses around $9 billion every year to illegal mining operations. This blatant theft of our national wealth, which ought to support development and prosperity, has continued unchecked for too long. That ends now,” Abdulraheem said.
He stated that the committee’s mandate includes plugging revenue leakages, promoting transparency and accountability in the mining sector, and ensuring that proceeds from Nigeria’s mineral resources are channelled towards national development.
“One of our key objectives is to halt the massive revenue losses caused by illegal mining and its associated activities. These criminal networks not only rob the treasury but also undermine legitimate mining businesses that could significantly boost our internally generated revenue,” he added.
Abdulraheem further highlighted the environmental and security challenges associated with illegal mining, describing them as a “national emergency” that must be addressed urgently.
“These activities are directly linked to rising insecurity and the destruction of ecosystems polluting rivers, destroying forests, and displacing vulnerable communities,” he said.
The lawmaker reaffirmed the House’s resolve to use its oversight powers to expose corruption, close loopholes, and ensure that Nigeria’s natural resources benefit its citizens.
On the Ajaokuta Steel Company, Abdulraheem commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for showing “unprecedented political will” to revive the long-abandoned industrial project. He said the appointment of an indigenous expert to lead Ajaokuta’s revitalisation signals the government’s commitment to industrialisation and job creation.
Representing the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Commander of Mining Marshals, ACC Attah John Onoja, pledged full cooperation with the committee. He disclosed that since the Mining Marshals operation was launched in March 2024, over 500 illegal miners have been arrested, with about 270 currently facing prosecution and several already convicted.
“Just three weeks ago, we secured multiple convictions, underscoring our commitment to tackling this menace head-on,” Onoja said.
He assured that the NSCDC would continue protecting critical national assets, ensuring compliance among licensed operators, and supporting the House committee in its investigative mandate.