By Comfort Olayinka
The House of Representatives has inaugurated an ad hoc committee to investigate and curb illegal mining across Nigeria, with a bold target to recover an estimated $9 billion lost annually to the illicit activity.
Speaking during the inauguration in Abuja, Committee Chairman Hon. Sanni Abdulraheem described illegal mining as a “national menace” that drains the economy, fuels insecurity, and wreaks havoc on the environment.
“It is estimated that Nigeria loses around $9 billion every year to illegal mining operations. This blatant theft of our national wealth, which ought to support development and prosperity, has continued unchecked for too long. That ends now,” Abdulraheem declared.
He said the committee’s mandate includes plugging revenue leakages, ensuring transparency in the mining sector, and guaranteeing that proceeds from mineral resources are channelled into national development.
“One of our key objectives is to halt the massive revenue losses caused by illegal mining. These criminal networks not only rob the treasury but also undermine legitimate mining businesses that could significantly boost our internally generated revenue,” he said.
Beyond revenue losses, Abdulraheem warned that illicit mining fuels insecurity and destroys the environment, noting that “polluted rivers, destroyed forests, and displaced communities” are direct consequences of unchecked illegal operations.
The lawmaker vowed that the House would exercise its full constitutional oversight powers to expose corruption, close loopholes, and ensure that Nigeria’s natural wealth benefits its citizens.
“Through diligent oversight, we will eliminate the cancer of illegal mining, safeguard the environment, and protect the wellbeing of our people,” he added.
Abdulraheem also lauded President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its renewed push to revive the Ajaokuta Steel Company, describing it as a symbol of national hope and industrial rebirth.
“For decades, Ajaokuta has remained a symbol of wasted potential. But today, there is renewed hope. The current administration’s decision to appoint an indigenous expert to lead its revival signals a serious commitment to unlocking its enormous potential,” he stated.
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 mission.
Onoja disclosed that since the launch of the Mining Marshals operation in March 2024, over 500 illegal miners have been arrested, with about 270 cases currently in court, and several convictions already secured.
“Just three weeks ago, we secured multiple convictions, underscoring our commitment to tackling this menace head-on,” he affirmed.
He assured lawmakers that the NSCDC would continue to protect critical national assets, ensure compliance among licensed operators, and collaborate fully with the House in achieving its oversight objectives
