FG Allocates N2.5bn to Tackle Illegal Mining

N2.5bn Fund Approved by FG for Illegal Mining Combat

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved ₦2.5 billion for the procurement of satellite technology aimed at curbing illegal mining activities across Nigeria. This initiative seeks to address the significant revenue losses attributed to unregulated and underreported mining operations.

Key Aspects of the Initiative:

• Satellite Surveillance: The technology will enable real-time monitoring of mining sites nationwide, allowing authorities to observe mineral extraction volumes, track transportation, and assess security conditions at these locations.
• Integrated Command Center: A central command center will be established to facilitate efficient oversight and coordination of mining activities, enhancing the government’s capacity to detect and respond to illegal operations promptly.
• Legal and Regulatory Enforcement: The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has adopted both persuasive and coercive strategies to regulate the sector. While encouraging artisanal miners to form cooperatives for legal recognition, the government has also established Mining Marshals to apprehend and prosecute illegal operators.

Challenges and Collaborative Efforts:

The federal government acknowledges challenges posed by state-level interventions in mining activities. Efforts are underway to collaborate with state governments and security agencies to ensure the sustainable and lawful development of the mining sector.