Abuja: Stakeholders in the mining sector assert that illegal mining activities will continue in Nigeria as long as poverty remains prevalent. They relayed this to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), emphasizing that despite the Federal Government’s efforts to curb illegal mining, it continues to serve as a crucial means of survival for many impoverished individuals.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, 63% of people in Nigeria are considered multidimensionally poor, as revealed by the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) Survey conducted by the National Bureau for Statistics. The report highlights that multidimensional poverty is significantly more prevalent in rural areas, affecting 72% of the population, compared to 42% in urban regions.
Adeniran Ajibade, President of the Gemstone Miners and Marketers Association of Nigeria (GMMAN), noted that while illegal mining is being addressed, its decline remains uncertain, likely due to the country’s pervasive poverty. Ajibade mentioned the challenges in controlling individuals who resort to mineral scavenging at mining sites due to economic hardships.
Ajibade elaborated on the government’s efforts to tackle illegal mining, including the establishment of the Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Department under a World Bank project in 2007. This department, part of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, aims to formalize artisanal and small-scale miners and enhance their capacity to mine legally and efficiently.
Furthermore, the introduction of Mining Marshals in 2024 has aided in combating illegal mining, especially by large companies. However, apprehending individuals involved in such activities remains challenging, Ajibade added. He mentioned plans for a mine marshal office in various parts of the federation to support the Mines Inspectorate Department and Mines Environment and Compliance Department in addressing illegal mining.
Similarly, Mr. Philip Jakpor, Executive Director of Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI), explained that poverty has driven numerous mining communities into illegal mining. He noted that community members feel compelled to benefit from resources, even minimally, rather than allowing others to exploit them.
Miner Mrs. Ladidi Yakubu expressed concerns that while poverty drives individuals into illegal mining, large organizations are also culpable, with some linked to sponsoring banditry and other crimes in mining areas. She urged the new administration to address the hardships Nigerians face, emphasizing the need for a resolution to the ongoing economic challenges.