By Obiabin Onukwugha
The House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on illegal mining has revealed that Nigeria loses a whooping $9 billion, an equivalent of ₦13.185 trillion, to illicit mining activities across the country.
The House pledged its readiness to deal decisively with anyone found to be involved in illegal mining, so as to block the leakages.
Chairman of the ad hoc committee, Sanni Abdulraheem, made the pledge shortly after the inauguration of the Clcommittee on Wednesday. He described illegal mining an economic drain pipe and urged citizens to expose those involved in the illegal act among them, in the interest of the nation.
“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.
He mentioned that the committee is charged with blocking revenue leakages, enforcing transparency, and ensuring that the nation’s mineral wealth contributes fully to economic development.
“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 national Internally Generated Revenue.
“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 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 to tackle these issues head-on,” he said.
Abdulraheem promised that the committee will launch an investigation so as to propose actionable solutions that will restore sanity and accountability to Nigeria’s mining sector,”
“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 well-being 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 continued.
The ad hoc committee chairman also noted that the appointment of an indigenous professional for the Ajaokuta Steel Company is an indication of the President Bola Tinubu’s administration to revive the national asset.
“For many years, the Ajaokuta Steel Company has stood as a symbol of unrealised potential. However, I am proud to say that it is now on track to fulfil 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 industrialisation, job creation, and long-term economic growth,” he stated.