Reps seek to block $9bn annual losses to illegal mining

Thursday, October 9, 2025 - The House of Representatives, through its Ad Hoc Committee on Illegal Mining, has vowed to block estimated $9bn Nigeria annual losses to illicit mining activities.

Speaking during the inauguration of the committee on Wednesday, the Chairman, Sanni Abdulraheem, described illegal mining as a major economic drain on the country and a threat to national security.

He noted that despite several interventions, illegal mining continued to deprive the nation of huge revenue, degrade the environment, and fuel criminality in mining communities.

To tackle the menace, Abdulraheem recalled that the Federal Government launched the Mining Marshals initiative in 2024, which has so far led to the arrest of over 300 illegal miners across 10 states and the Federal Capital Territory, and the shutdown of 98 illegal mining sites nationwide.

“It is estimated that Nigeria loses approximately $9bn annually due to illegal mining activities. This theft of our resources, which should be enriching our nation, has gone on for far too long. It is time to put an end to it,” he said.

He explained that the committee’s core mandate is to block revenue leakages, enforce transparency, and ensure that Nigeria’s mineral wealth contributes fully to economic growth.

“As we move forward, one of the core objectives of this committee is to block revenue leakages caused by illegal mining and associated activities which not only rob our treasury but also hinder legitimate mining operations that could contribute substantially to national revenue,” he said.

Through structured oversight, Abdulraheem said the committee would strengthen revenue tracking systems and ensure that proceeds from the mining sector flow directly into government coffers.

“Equally important is the issue of criminality and environmental degradation linked to illegal mining. These activities fuel insecurity, pollute our waterways, destroy forests, and displace vulnerable communities. This is a matter of national urgency that must be tackled head-on,” he added.

Reaffirming the House’s resolve to uphold its constitutional responsibility, the lawmaker vowed that the committee would expose and prosecute individuals or groups involved in the illegal mining network.

“We are committed to fulfilling our oversight duty to expose corruption, curb malpractices, and ensure that our national resources are used for the benefit of all Nigerians. Through diligent oversight, we will rid our nation of the cancer of illegal mining, safeguard the environment, and protect the well-being of our citizens,” he said.

Abdulraheem also expressed optimism over renewed efforts by the President Bola Tinubu-led administration to revive the Ajaokuta Steel Company.

“For many years, the Ajaokuta Steel Company has stood as a symbol of unrealised potential. However, I am proud to say that it is now on track to fulfil its true promise. The current administration has shown unprecedented political will to rejuvenate this critical national asset,” he stated, noting that the appointment of an indigenous professional to lead its revival signalled “a new dawn for Nigeria’s steel and industrial sectors.”

In his remarks, the Commander of the Mining Marshals under the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Attah Onoja, pledged the agency’s full cooperation with the committee.

He disclosed that since the launch of the Mining Marshals operation in March 2024, over 500 illegal miners had been arrested, with about 270 currently facing trial.

“The NSCDC assures this honourable committee of our maximum cooperation and support to ensure that this all-important task is achieved,” Onoja said.