The Nigerian government is taking significant steps to combat illegal mining by allocating N2.5 billion for satellite surveillance technology, with plans to start within a month. Minister Dele Alake emphasized the project’s potential to monitor mining activities, improve revenue collection, and address legal violations. A new Nigerian Mining Corporation will also involve private and individual stakeholders. Furthermore, the government has had success in prosecuting illegal miners, with ongoing efforts to regulate the industry effectively.
The Nigerian government has allocated N2.5 billion to procure satellite surveillance technology aimed at combating illegal mining across the nation. Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, announced that the project is anticipated to commence within a month. This initiative is designed to address unregulated mining activities, enforce licensing compliance among operators, and reduce underreporting of mineral production.
According to Minister Alake, the satellite equipment will provide real-time visuals of mining activities throughout the country. Multiple strategically placed gadgets will allow users to monitor extraction volumes, the number of trucks transporting minerals, and the surrounding security conditions. The minister emphasized that this technological advancement is essential for overseeing Nigeria’s vast mining territories effectively.
Alake further revealed the significant financial losses Nigeria has incurred from illegal mining, estimated in trillions of Naira. The satellite surveillance project is expected to recover a substantial amount of this lost revenue as it enhances monitoring capabilities in remote areas. He noted that illegal operations primarily benefit from Nigeria’s expansive territory, making complete oversight challenging.
In addition to satellite surveillance, the government plans to establish the Nigerian Mining Corporation, primarily controlled by the private sector. The equity distribution will comprise 50% for private investors, 25% for the government, and 25% for individuals. Deputy Minister Alake announced that the CEO for this corporation, Martins Imoniti, has been appointed and possesses extensive experience within Australia’s mining sector.
Minister Alake addressed the issue of state involvement in mining, clarifying that the federal government retains exclusive regulatory authority. Nonetheless, he expressed willingness to collaborate with state governments by encouraging them to form special purpose vehicles to apply for mining licenses in their jurisdictions. He discussed these accommodations with governors, aiming to facilitate state-level participation in mining operations.
The government has intensified efforts to combat illegal mining, leading to the arrest and prosecution of both local and international offenders. In recent months, the Mine Marshals detained over 320 illegal miners, with approximately 150 under prosecution, including nine who have been fully convicted.
These initiatives are pivotal in the Nigerian government’s strategy to regulate and revitalize the mining sector, ensuring that both technological measures and legal actions work in tandem to tackle illegal operations effectively.
In summary, the Nigerian government is launching a comprehensive strategy to combat illegal mining through a combination of advanced satellite surveillance technology and the establishment of a new mining corporation. Minister Dele Alake highlights the substantial financial implications of illegal mining while advocating for collaborative initiatives with state governments. The announced measures aim not only to curtail illegal activities but also to enhance revenue generation in the mining sector.
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