By Rasheeda Hamidu
Stakeholders in Kogi and Nasarawa states have identified illegal and unregulated mining as a major driver of insecurity, environmental degradation and criminal activities in communities endowed with strategic mineral resources.
A News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) report published on Thursday said the concerns were raised during separate interviews conducted as part of a survey on “Criminal Activities Linked to Strategic Mineral Resources.”
Coordinator of the Kogi East Neighbourhood Security Watch, Simeon Oyiguh, said communities with commercially viable mineral deposits have witnessed increasing criminal activities linked to illegal mining operations.
He said, “In many communities where valuable solid minerals are found, criminal activities have increased significantly. Most of these crimes are associated with illegal and unregulated mining activities.”
Oyiguh urged government authorities to enforce mandatory environmental and health impact assessments for mining projects and strengthen security surveillance around mining sites to protect host communities.
The report also stated that the Kogi State Government has suspended mining activities in Ankpa Local Government Area to facilitate environmental rehabilitation being undertaken in collaboration with the Mining Association, Ankpa Local Government Council and the state Ministry of Solid Minerals and Natural Resources.
Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Muhammed Jamiu, said mining activities would resume only after the rehabilitation exercise is completed and officially announced by the ministry.
In Nasarawa State, former Chairman of the National Union of Mine Workers, Nasiru Musa, attributed mining-related crimes to weak enforcement of mining regulations, poor coordination among stakeholders and inadequate training for artisanal miners, while advocating skills acquisition programmes, proper registration and improved access to finance through cooperative societies.
NatureNews reports that stronger regulation of mining activities, effective environmental safeguards and improved oversight of artisanal mining remain essential to reducing insecurity, protecting ecosystems and promoting sustainable mineral development across Nigeria.
