The Minister of Solid Mineral, Dele Alake, has claimed that influential individuals involved in illegal mining in Nigeria are also responsible for armed criminality and banditry in the country.
He made this statement while defending the 2024 budget before the House of Representatives Committee on Solid Minerals.
Alake emphasized the need for a formal structure in the mining sector, similar to the Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, and proposed a primarily private sector-driven Nigeria Mining Cooperation to ensure stability and revenue generation.
The minister highlighted that illegal miners, supported by powerful individuals, sponsor banditry and terrorism.
He urged the committee to support the proposed budget, stating that the ministry could contribute significantly to the country’s revenue if adequately funded. Alake mentioned the presence of 44 minerals in high demand, with six having global significance.
The chairman of the committee, Hon. Gaza Gbefwi, acknowledged the importance of the solid minerals sector for economic diversity but expressed concern over the inadequacy of funds allocated in the 2024 budget. Meanwhile, the House of Representatives pledged to address environmental degradation through legislation and policy review.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, Hon Julius Pondi, emphasized the need to address issues such as flood, pollution, erosion, and deforestation, recognizing them as global challenges that require collective efforts to find solutions.
Pondi outlined the committee’s commitment to reviewing laws and policies to bring about positive changes and solutions to environmental challenges in Nigeria.
