NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Marshals seek stakeholders’ collaboration on illegal mining
Defence/Security

Marshals seek stakeholders’ collaboration on illegal mining

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By Kelechi Ogunleye

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals have called on state governments and relevant stakeholders to collaborate with the troop to curb illegal mining across the nation.

 

The Mining Marshal Commander, Attah Onoja, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

 

Onoja said that there was a need for Nigerians to see the drive towards ensuring a sanitised mining sector as a national agenda.

 

“We advise Nigerians, security agencies, civilians, industry players, politicians, traditional rulers, religious leaders amongst others, to understand that it is not an NSCDC, individual, religious or ethnic agenda.

 

“There is also the need for more sensitisation within the security architecture to foster an understanding of national interest because until we all see it that way, we will be having pockets of misunderstanding on the line of duty.

 

“We have, however, always used wisdom and diplomacy to manage the misunderstandings if and when they arise.

 

“It is on that note that patriotism is required of everybody, irrespective of your uniform, state and political party because a good and better Nigeria is a good and better Nigeria for all,” he said.

 

The commander, while urging state governments to actively partner with the mining marshals, said that a few states had acknowledged their efforts through prompt and efficient intelligence information gathering and sharing.

 

“We are, however, beginning to have promises in light of support and partnership from those who are appreciative of the way we work.

 

“What we the mining marshals can assure states is that whatever is committed to our hands today that we are still in office, they can be sure of accountability, proper care as we have a culture to take good care of government property,” Onoja said.

 

He acknowledged that the challenges experienced during operations varied from community to community or state based on peculiarities and characteristics.

 

“Some illegal miners have the attitude of respecting law and order when they see a government agency; they respect them, while some have the instinct of resistance.”

 

He said that the marshal uses both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches in its operations for maximum results.

 

He appreciated the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Solid Mineral Development, Dr Dele Alake, and the NSCDC Commandant-General, Ahmed Audi, for working assiduously in equipping and empowering the marshals.

 

“The minister of Solid Mineral has assured us of logistic support, especially in the area of weaponry, technology and vehicular provisions.

 

“I can assure you that he is really working around the clock to ensure that this comes to pass as quickly as possible so as to ensure the mining sector is sanitised,” said the commander.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

NSCDC uncovers 460 illegal mining sites, arrests 387- Commander
Defence/Security

NSCDC uncovers 460 illegal mining sites, arrests 387- Commander

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By Kelechi Ogunleye

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)  has uncovered 460 illegal mining sites and arrested 387 suspects in 14 months.

 

The  NSCDC Mining Marshals, Commander, Attah Onoja, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.

 

Onoja said that from the successfully identified 460 illegal sites, 99 illegal mining sites had been recovered.

He said that 146 persons had also been charged to court.

 

“The lawful mineral title holders of these recovered sites have taken possession of their sites for lawful mining activity, thereby generating revenue for the Federal Government,” he said.

 

According to him, 25 per cent of the arrested suspects were of foreign nationalities, adding that the law justly takes it course notwithstanding nationality if found guilty.

 

He also said that the squad had adopted 28 ‘clearance operations’ in environments with armed bandits, areas with threats of resistance and intelligence reports about dangerous attacks based on past incidents.

“In carrying out this clearance operation, we ensure to maintain an operational standard that will give you results without necessarily having casualties, either from our own troops or the adversaries,” he said.

 

The commander emphasised that the operations of the mining marshals carefully followed strategic planning through thorough intelligence and surveillance activities.

 

“It is the report of our intelligence and surveillance operation that determines the operational strategy to adopt. We identify illegal mining sites through intelligence and surveillance operation and at times through written petitions by displaced mineral title holders or license holders.

 

“There are some that warrant or demand clearance operation, especially illegal mining sites that are characterised by banditry or terrains that has no form of government presence.

 

“Terrains where you get to and you will not even know the country you are because it is not close to any normal environment; sometimes you access this terrain through motorcycles for hours and such operations do require diplomacy,” he said.

He said that the inauguration of the marshals by the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, has significantly improved Nigeria’s mining sector.

 

He further attributed the successes of the team in protecting mining sites, communities and reduction in environmental hazards caused by unregulated mining activities to the leadership of the NSCDC Commandant-General, Ahmed Audi.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Illegal mining operations attract jail term, not fines- Mining marshal warns
Defence/Security

Illegal mining operations attract jail term, not fines- Mining marshal warns

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By Kelechi Ogunleye

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals have warned illegal mining operators across the country to desist or face imprisonment by a court of law.

The mining marshal Commander, Attah Onoja, said this during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.

The commander emphasised that illegal mining offences attracted zero fine penalty but rather jail terms at the discretion of a Federal High Court sitting judge.

“You will hardly hear anything like fines in illegal mining offences although judgements and punishment are at the discretion of the court based on the circumstances of the case but I can assure you that the punishment is not palatable.

‘For now we are appealing to those engaging in illegal mining operations because they are citizens that have not been arrested yet.

“However, since they are not under the weight of the law yet, they have the opportunity to change and learn from the experiences of those carrying out similar illegitimate activities and have been arrested by the mining marshals.

“The mining marshals is a non-compromising unit so when you are finally arrested you will face the full wrath of the law and these offences are Federal High Court offences that will keep you in jail for your active period,” he said.

Onoja clarified that the marshals and the NSCDC are not responsible for licence allocation or renewal, rather, the squad are statutory enforcement officers.

He said that there are different types of mining operational license such as: the Exploration licence, Small Scale Mining Lease (SSML) and the Mining licence, adding that, all licences have validity dates.

“Illegal mining is not necessarily the absence of licence, you can have licence and be involved in illegal operations because the earlier mentioned three types of licences have their respective scope.

“For exploration, you are only on a voyage to ascertain what mineral deposit you can get at that site, pick them, analyse in a lab to know the composition and context then check for viability before proceeding to obtain a licence for mining.

“SSML gives you the opportunity to mine but not in commercial quantities as you cannot go seven meters deep but a mining licence allows you to do commercial or industrial mining.

“You can have this three and be operating within their scope but in a different location not assigned to you, that’s illegal mining,” Onoja clarified.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yakubu Uba

Lead poisoning: FG orders illegal miners out of Zamfara
Environment

Lead poisoning: FG orders illegal miners out of Zamfara

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By Martha Agas

The Federal Government has ordered illegal miners to immediately vacate all mining sites in Zamfara following the confirmation of an outbreak of lead poisoning in Bungudu Local Government Area.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, gave the warning in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, on Tuesday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Zamfara, known for its rich gold deposits, first recorded a major lead poisoning epidemic in 2010.

The outbreak was traced to artisanal gold mining activities, which led to environmental contamination and the poisoning of hundreds of residents, particularly children.

Alake said that all mining activities were still on hold until the release of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) that would guide the resumption of exploration in the state.

He expressed concern that the six-year mining ban in the state reversed in December 2024 should have prevented any cases of lead poisoning.

“The outbreak is evidence that traditional and local institutions allowed illegal miners to operate in their areas in flagrant violation of the ban.

“Every citizen should obey the laws and regulations established by constituted authorities.

“Our revered traditional institutions and local authorities, which are funded from the federation accounts, have an even higher responsibility to enforce government directives.

“However, where they demonstrate wilful negligence and abdicate their responsibilities, they perpetrate a state of anomie with dire consequences, as we are witnessing in this case,” he said.

According to him, experts and ministry reports will recommend specific interventions to help the government prevent future calamities.

The minister, however, commended the Zamfara government for deploying emergency services to the affected area, and called for stronger collaboration between the state and the Ministry officials.

“We must work together to kick out illegal miners from all corners to protect the lives of innocent citizens endangered by the desperation of a few individuals to make money at all costs,” he said.

According to him,  the ministry will soon release a comprehensive SOP to guide the resumption of mining activities in Zamfara.

The procedures, he explained, would address cases of existing holders of mining licences and fresh applicants alongside compliance to community development agreements.

He added that other issues the SOP would address include the beneficiation and remediation efforts to overhaul the mining sector in the state.

Alake noted  that the recent approval of the deployment of satellite technology to monitor mining sites nationwide will put an end to illegal mining and other sharp practices in the sector.

NAN recalls that in 2017, an epidemic of lead poisoning resulted in the deaths of more than 300 under-five children in Yar-Galma village of Bukkuyum LGA of the state. (NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

FG seeks donor support to revive steel industry
Economy/Business

FG seeks donor support to revive steel industry

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By Martha Agas

The Ministry of Steel Development is seeking technical and financial assistance from donor agencies to revive the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited (ASCL) and the National Iron Ore Mining Company (NIOMCO).

Its Minister, Prince Shuaibu Audu, made this appeal during a meeting with donor agencies in Abuja.

Audu stated that the ministry’s primary focus was the revitalisation of publicly owned steel assets, particularly ASCL and NIOMCO.

“Our objective is to prepare these institutions for privatisation by upgrading their infrastructure and operational capabilities, transforming them into robust engines of local production.

“This initiative aims to boost domestic steel output, reduce dependence on imports, and generate valuable foreign exchange,” he said.

He emphasised that achieving this goal required technical expertise, financial resources, and strategic guidance.

“These are crucial for bridging the gap between our ambitious vision and the practical realities of implementation.

“Your partnership can accelerate the modernisation of our steel assets, build essential infrastructure, empower our workforce with future-ready skills, and strengthen regulatory frameworks,” he said.

He urged donor agencies to collaborate in creating a sustainable legacy of development, job creation, and industrial innovation for future generations.

According to Audu, supporting the revitalisation of key steel assets and infrastructure, investing in capacity development, and advocating regulatory and trade reforms would contribute to national progress.

He stated that donor commitment would unlock Nigeria’s steel sector’s full potential, reduce reliance on imports, foster local innovation, and position the country as an industrial leader in Africa.

“Together, we can build a future where Nigeria’s steel industry drives economic growth, creates jobs, and anchors our economic diversification,” he said.

The minister described the vision outlined in the 2025 capital budget as ambitious yet necessary, stressing that its success depended on strong partnerships.

He noted that transforming a capital-intensive industry like steel required significant financial resources, but funding gaps remained a major challenge.

“Additionally, achieving these objectives demands institutional reforms that extend beyond government efforts alone,” he said.

He expressed confidence that donor support would pave the way for a thriving steel sector, powering Nigeria’s industrial growth and securing a prosperous future for all.

According to him, Nigeria is on the brink of major industrial progress and hopes that partnerships will help expand the scope of its projects.

He added that the ministry would establish technical teams and appoint desk officers to coordinate with donors for mutual benefit.

Responding, Dr Osuji Otu, Nigeria Country Representative for the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), acknowledged the ministry’s vital role in driving industrialisation.

He stated that UNIDO would soon unveil its 2024–2028 country partnership programme to support the ministry’s initiatives.

Other partners, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Australian High Commission, assured the ministry of their support in providing technical assistance for its projects. (NAN)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

FG lifts 5-year ban on mining exploration in Zamfara
Economy/Business

FG lifts 5-year ban on mining exploration in Zamfara

552 total views today

By Martha Agas

The Federal Government has lifted the ban on mining exploration and other related activities in Zamfara, after five years.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake disclosed this at a press briefing on Sunday in Abuja.

Alake said the move was made following significant improvement on the security situation in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls  that the Federal Government banned all forms of mining activities in Zamfara in 2019, following alarming reports of banditry and its link to illegal mining.

Alake  said that insecurity in the state had been reduced to a manageable level to facilitate the operation of legitimate mining activities.

He said that reversing the ban would support efforts to boost the country’s economic profile, particularly as the state possessed critical minerals in commercial quantities needed for energy transition.

“The nation has a lot to gain from reawakened economic activities in a highly mineralised state like Zamfara that is imbued with vast Gold, Lithium, and Copper belts,” he said.

The minister explained that the ban had created a vacuum, which was exploited by illegal miners to rob the nation of its resources.

“The concomitant result was the colossal loss of revenue to the affected communities, local government, the state and the Federal Government as legitimate owners were forced to shut down operations,” he explained.

According to Alake, President Bola Tinubu is determined to address insecurity in the country by deploying intelligence-gathering and other security operations to neutralise merchants of insecurity

He stated that Tinubu’s strategy had led to the neutralisation of key bandit commanders, thereby significantly reducing incidents of insecurity across the nation.

“ A recent success was the capture of one of the most wanted bandit commanders, Halilu Sububu, in a covert operation in Zamfara.”

According to him,  the government is responsible for  protecting lives and property, and contingency plans have already been made to protect mining operators in Zamfara and other states.

He further explained that the strategies adopted to achieve the feat were increased intelligence gathering by relevant security agencies, who would work alongside the mining operators.

The minister stated that  lifting of the ban would also facilitate better regulation of mining activities in the state.

He added that the host communities would also benefit from the ban lift through the implementation of corporate social responsibility projects by the mining companies.

According  to him,  the move will ensure the country benefits from the state’s rich mineral resources, and the significant contributions of the sector to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product.

In another development, the minister explained the provisions of its Memorandum of Understanding(MOU) with France, on boosting mining in the country.

He reassured that the agreement does not imply Nigeria was relinquishing control over its mineral resources or entering into any military pact with France.

NAN recalls that the minister on Dec. 1,  announced an MOU with France to develop joint projects to promote and diversify the value chain of the critical minerals in the solid minerals sector of both countries.

The partnership is also to open opportunities for the remediation of more than 2,000 abandoned pits in the country through environmental rehabilitation and post-mining projects intervention plans.

“The high point of the MOU is on training and capacity building for our mining professionals.

“We need all the assistance we can get in terms of capacity, technical, and financial support from abroad, and that wasn’t even the first we are signing,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Chioma Ugboma

Mining cadastre’s revenue hits N8.1bn in October
General News

Mining cadastre’s revenue hits N8.1bn in October

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DG of Nigeria Mining Cadastral Office, Obadiah Nkom

By Nana Musa

The Director-General (D-G) of Nigeria Mining Cadastral Office (MCO), Obadiah Nkom, says the office has generated N8.1 billion revenue since January.

Nkom disclosed this while welcoming the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals led by its Chairman, Sen. Sampson Ekong, on an oversight visit to the NMCO headquarters on Monday in Abuja.

He described the revenue as a record-breakimg achievement, marking a substantial rise in earnings for the agency.

He said that the surge reflected the country’s strengthened commitment to diversifying its economy through the solid minerals sector and improving its mining sector’s regulatory framework.

The D-G attributed the increase in revenue to enhanced transparency, enforcement measures, and digitalisation that streamlined the licensing and revenue collection processes.

He said that the ongoing initiatives to enhance transparency, reduce processing times, and ensure equitable mining rights distribution, also contributed to the agency’s record earnings.

“Revenue generated by the office from inception to date is N36.048 billion.100 per cent of revenue generated is remitted to the Federal Government Treasury Single Account (TSA).

“Revenue generated from 2019 – October, 2024, N26.230 represents 75 per cent of revenue generated. Revenue generated from 2023 to October 2024 is N13.194 bIllion.

“This represents an increase of 63 per cent over N8.094 billion generated in the corresponding period from, 2021 to Sept. 2022,” Nkom said.

He briefed the committee on the Cadastre’s role in overseeing the issuance of mining licenses and permits, as well as its efforts to streamline operations within the industry.

He listed some of the challengesacn the cadastre to include inadequate funding and in adequate office space.

“This premises is housed by a part of the World Bank. We are renting the building, and we have been having many issues of paying the rent. These are the only two places that we have.

“The other one, of course, is rented and even this place is very congested by the time we now go around. The challenges are just numerous,” he said.

He said that the MCO worked with all the law enforcement agencies to ensure that cadastre was secure.

He, however, said that there were quite a number of litigations going on.

“ I want to inform this distinguished committee that we have had litigations since the inception of the mining cadastral, and we have had almost 100 per cent successes in our litigations,” he said.

Earlier, Ekong said that the visit was aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability in the country mining sector.

He said that the visit was essentially to ensure that the NMCO fulfilled its obligations in alignment with federal guidelines, enhancing the mining sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s economy.

“Insights from this visit have been valuable, and we will examine the reform processes. Strengthening the sector will require effective collaboration and reform.

“We have taken note of the issues raised, and our focus is to add value and transparency to this sector,” the senator said.

He said that the committee would review the documentation provided by the NMCO and pledged continued support for the Cadastre.

He stressed the importance of synergy between regulatory bodies to fully maximise Nigeria’s mining potential.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the senate committee’s oversight visit was aimed at evaluating the cadastre’s adherence to regulatory standards.

It was also aimed at reviewing its operational efficiency, and identifying potential areas for improved resource management. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

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