In a startling revelation, the Minister of Solid Minerals, Mr. Dele Alake, accused influential figures in Nigeria of being the masterminds behind the sponsorship of banditry and terrorism through illegal mining activities. Alake made these explosive claims during a session before the House of Representatives Committee on Solid Minerals in Abuja on Tuesday.
According to Alake, the perpetrators are not mere gold scavengers but powerful individuals in the country who are actively involved in illegal mining, fueling criminal activities that threaten national security. He emphasized that while some illegal miners might be foreigners, the driving force behind these operations is largely comprised of Nigerians with significant influence.
During his appearance before the committee, Alake expressed concerns about the lack of proper immigration documentation for most foreigners engaged in illegal mining, making it challenging to regulate and monitor their activities effectively.
Alake stressed the importance of creating a formal structure for the mining industry to generate the requisite revenue. He proposed a private sector-driven approach for the Nigeria Mining Cooperation, asserting that this model would ensure stability and prevent interference from future governments.
Highlighting the immense mineral wealth deposited in the country, Alake estimated its value at over 700 billion dollars, with Nigeria having accessed only a fraction of this potential. He urged the committee to support the proposed budget for the ministry, emphasizing the transformative impact the funds could have on revenue generation.
The minister outlined the vast potential for Nigeria to become a global economic hub through the exploitation of solid minerals. However, he acknowledged the need to sanitize the operating environment to attract investors and prevent illegal activities that undermine the sector.
In response, Rep. Gaza Gbefwi, Chairman of the committee, acknowledged the significance of the solid minerals sector for economic diversity. However, he expressed concern about the grossly inadequate funds allocated to the sector in the 2024 budget. Gbefwi reassured that the committee would take proactive steps to strengthen and reorganize the sector through motions and bills.
As these revelations unfold, the nation awaits further investigation into the alleged link between powerful Nigerians, illegal mining, and the funding of banditry and terrorism, raising critical questions about the intersection of economic interests and national security.
