The House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee on Illegal Mining has vowed to tackle the $9 billion Nigeria reportedly loses every year to illicit mining activities.

Speaking during the inauguration of the committee on Wednesday, Chairman of the Committee, Sanni Abdulraheem, described illegal mining as ?a scourge that undermines national revenue, fuels criminality, and degrades the environment.?

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

Abdulraheem said the committee was mandated to block revenue leakages, enforce transparency, and ensure that the nation?s mineral wealth contributes fully to economic development.

He assured that every naira generated from the country?s rich natural resources must contribute to national prosperity.

?As we move forward, one of the core objectives of this committee is to block the revenue leakages caused by illegal mining and its associated activities, which not only steal from our national treasury but also hinder the growth of legitimate mining operations that could contribute substantially to our Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

?Through structured oversight, we will strengthen revenue tracking mechanisms and ensure that the full benefits of Nigeria?s mining sector flow directly into government coffers, rather than being siphoned off through illegal mining activities.

?Equally important is the issue of the criminality and environmental degradation linked to illegal mining. These activities not only fuel insecurity, but they also lead to the pollution of our waterways, the degradation of our forests, and the displacement of vulnerable communities. This is a matter of national urgency, and it is why we are here today,? he added.

Stressing that the House would leave no stone unturned, Abdulraheem said the committee stands firmly on the constitutional mandate entrusted to it by Nigerians.

?We are committed to fulfilling our oversight responsibility as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria ? to expose corruption in any form, curb malpractices, and ensure that our resources are used for the benefit of all Nigerians.

?It is through such diligent oversight that we will rid our nation of the cancer of illegal mining, safeguard the environment, and protect the wellbeing of our citizens. Through the powers granted to us, we will investigate, gather evidence, and propose actionable solutions that will restore sanity and accountability to Nigeria?s mining sector,? he said.

?Ajaokuta now on track?

On the Ajaokuta Steel Company, Abdulraheem commended the administration of President Bola Tinubu for demonstrating what he described as unprecedented political will to rejuvenate the critical national asset.

?For many years, the Ajaokuta Steel Company has stood as a symbol of unrealized potential. However, I am proud to say that it is now on track to fulfilling its true promise. The current administration has shown unprecedented political will to rejuvenate this critical national asset.

?This is reflected in the appointment of an indigenous professional to lead its revival ? a move that gives us hope for the future of Nigeria?s steel industry. With Ajaokuta poised for success, we are looking at not just an economic game-changer but a cornerstone for our industrialization, job creation, and long-term economic growth,? he added.

Abdulraheem also thanked Speaker Abbas Tajudeen for the confidence reposed in him to lead the committee.

Representing the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Commander of Mining Marshals, ACC Attah John Onoja, pledged the Corps? full support for the committee?s work.

?270 illegal miners on trial?

He revealed that since the launch of the Mining Marshals operation in March 2024, the NSCDC has arrested over 500 illegal miners, with about 270 currently facing trial, and recently secured convictions to underscore the seriousness of enforcement efforts.

I want to say very quickly that over 500 illegal miners have been arrested in the course of this operation. About 270 are currently facing trial as we speak today. Just three weeks ago, we secured convictions, and all these efforts are geared towards tackling illegal mining activity in Nigeria.? (Daily Trust)

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