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The Federal Government of Nigeria has apprehended 300 illegal miners, including foreign nationals, in a decisive crackdown to revitalise the country’s mining sector.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, made the announcement during a House Committee oversight visit to the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja on Thursday.
The arrests are part of a broader 7-point agenda to combat illegal mining, safeguard mining communities, and attract international investors.
“This renewed security architecture is already having a profound impact,” Alake stated, emphasising the deployment of over 2,000 trained mine marshals to enhance security at mining sites.
He commended President Bola Tinubu’s proactive leadership for facilitating inter-ministerial collaboration, especially with the Ministry of Interior, to ensure adequate resource deployment.
“Our commitment to safeguarding mining sites ensures Nigeria’s stability and invites investors seeking reliable partnerships,” Alake noted.
The initiative is a critical component of the government’s ambition to establish Nigeria as a global hub for mineral development.
Alake pointed to successful outreach campaigns that have attracted interest from leading international investors.
“Our vision is to establish Nigeria’s mining sector as a cornerstone of economic growth,” he said, praising legislative support in creating a robust mining framework.
This crackdown signifies the government’s determination to restore the country’s global reputation in the solid minerals industry while fostering mutual economic benefits through international partnerships.