Abuja: The House of Representatives has inaugurated an Ad-Hoc Committee to investigate and curb the escalating menace of illegal mining across Nigeria. The committee, chaired by Mr. Sanni Egidi Abdulraheem, is mandated to identify the causes, actors, and impacts of illegal mining and recommend sustainable solutions to safeguard the nation’s mineral resources.
According to Voice of Nigeria, Mr. Abdulraheem promised that the committee would justify the confidence reposed in it by carrying out a thorough and result-oriented assignment. He expressed gratitude to the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, for the trust placed in him to lead the committee and emphasized the devastating effects of illegal mining on the nation. It is estimated that Nigeria loses approximately $9 billion annually due to illegal mining activities.
Mr. Abdulraheem outlined the committee’s mission to block revenue leakages, enforce transparency, and ensure proper accounting of the nation’s natural resources. He stressed the importance of ensuring that revenue from Nigeria’s mining sector is fully accounted for and contributes to the nation’s economic prosperity.
The committee aims to tackle the criminality and environmental degradation linked to illegal mining, which fuels insecurity and harms the environment. Mr. Abdulraheem emphasized the urgency of addressing these issues to protect vulnerable communities and the nation’s resources.
The Chairman assured that the committee would leave no stone unturned in fulfilling its constitutional mandate to expose corruption, curb malpractices, and use resources for the benefit of all Nigerians. He highlighted the importance of diligent oversight to safeguard the environment and citizen well-being.
Mr. Abdulraheem, who represents Ajaokuta Federal Constituency, expressed personal commitment to resource optimization and industrial revival, citing the potential of the Ajaokuta Steel Company as a critical national asset. He praised the current administration’s efforts to rejuvenate the steel industry, viewing it as a cornerstone for industrialization and economic growth.
He assured that the Committee’s work would be thorough, inclusive, and solutions-driven, working closely with stakeholders to ensure practical and achievable recommendations. The Committee is ready to begin its assignment with a strong sense of duty and optimism, committed to securing a brighter future for Nigeria.