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FG Says No More Tolerance of Illegal Mining

U.S, Africa, Critical minerals

The Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that it will no longer tolerate any form of illegal mining and exploitation of mineral resources in the country according to a TVC News report.  

Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake made this statement on August 31 at the graduation ceremony of some trained individuals under the Gemstone Jewelry Program in Abuja, one of the ministry’s skill acquisition initiatives.

According to Alake, solid minerals are Nigeria’s next petroleum and must be properly harnessed with added value for economic growth. 

While addressing the media at the event, the Honorable Minister, Dele Alake said: 

Note that Nigeria has deposits of about 44 solid minerals and illegal mining is rife in Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, and several other states in Nigeria’s Northwest region.  

The NEITI Context 

In May 2023, the Nigerian Extractives Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) launched a strategic plan for 2022–2026 aimed at promoting investments, transparency, and capacity building in the solid minerals sector.  

According to NEITI, Nigeria made only $1.4 billion from solid minerals in 13 years. NEITI’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Ogbonnaya Orji said the solid minerals sector has huge potential and could become an important contributor to Nigeria’s GDP.  

Dr. Orji has projected that if the solid mineral sector is thrown open for investment, it has the potential to contribute over 60% to the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP). At 60% of Nigeria’s GDP, that would mean outperforming oil.  

Way back in May 2023, Dr. Orji said: 

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