By Femi Akinola
A non- governmental organisation ( NGO), Global Rights, has stated that the spate of insecurity in the Northwest geo- political zone in Nigeria is traceable to unchecked illegal mining.
The Executive Director, Global Rights, Abiodun Baiyewu stated this on Tuesday in Abuja at a two-day training for over 40 Journalists on mining and host community rights in Nigeria.
While presenting a paper on mining and insecurity in Nigeria at the workshop Baiyewu argued that most of the mining activities in Nigeria are unregulated, adding that this has led to an increase in insecurity and displacement of many individuals from their ancestral homes.
“In a recent survey, 94.8 percent believe mining activities in their communities resulted in environmental degradation, health issues, insecurity and economic deprivation.
“87.7 percent believe informal mining facilitates criminal activities, potentially serving as a funding source for terrorism. Unregulated artisanal mining in Northern Nigeria is leading to illicit weapons and use of women in carrying out criminal activities in the country”.
He pointed out that mining host communities usually witness economic marginalization despite the wealth generated from their resources leading to unrest.
According to him, “High level of poverty, and unemployment in mining regions contributes to the allure of artisan mining. The degradation of land and water resources exacerbates existing vulnerabilities leading to conflicts over access to these essential resources.
“Politically connected individuals and foreign interests often collaborate in illegal mining ventures which lead to establishing criminal networks that exploit mineral resources and fund banditry and other forms of violence”.
Baiyewu added that the regulatory framework in Nigeria has a gap that encourages illegal mining, adding that, lack of reliable geological data and enforceable regulations has fueled illegal mining which has increased insecurity in Nigeria.
“To stop illegal mining which will lead to a reduction in insecurity, we must strengthen our regulatory framework, enhance community engagement, increase funding for mining regulations, support the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC).
The Global Rights leader added that the authorities must promote sustaining artisanal mining, implement environmental regulations, foster international cooperation, public awareness campaign and alternative livelihood, improve data collection and research, and Strengthening law enforcement training.”