Reps Summon Minister, DG Over Illegal Mining Activities

The House of Representatives Committee on Mineral Exploitation, Security and Anti-Money Laundering has summoned the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr Dele Alake, and the Director-General of the Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office to appear before it.

The top government officials were to explain to the lawmakers some issues concerning illegal mining activities in the country.

Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Sanni Abdulraheem, issued the summon at the resumed meeting of the panel on Wednesday.

He said, “In spite of the friendly approach to some MDAs, particularly the two governments organisations that are central to this exercise, Ministry of Solid Minerals and the Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office, didn’t give much desired willingness to receive the Committee.

“However, the Committee has directed the Secretariat to write the minister and DG of Nigeria Mining Cadastre to appear before the Committee on a scheduled dates for each of the two organisations, if possible with EFCC and other anti-graft agencies”.

Abdulraheem said the Committee will, as part of its work plan, pay working visits to all MDAs covered by its mandate to physically inspect all mineral exploitation centres, invite a number of selected MDAs and put its findings to report back to the House.

The chairman stated that, the committee was mandated to among other things, “conduct a comprehensive investigation into the scale, patterns, actors and modalities of illegal mineral exploitation across the Federation, with a view to identifying causes, consequences and extent of associated revenue.

Also, he said the Committee will examine the operational roles, effectiveness and challenges of security agencies deployed to mineral-bearing areas-particularly the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Defence Corps (NSCDC), Mining Marshals, and other relevant formations, and asses their capacity to secure mining sites and protect national assets.

According to him, the committee witness also investigate the security implications of illegal mining activities, including their links to organised crime, communal conflicts, environmental degradation, and threats to national stability.

It will also, “Undertake an appraisal of the legal and regulatory framework governing mineral exploitation in Nigeria, with a view to identifying gaps, overlaps and enforcement deficiencies and make recommendations for legislative amendments or new enactments where necessary.

“Probe the financial flows associated with illegal mineral extraction, including mechanisms through which proceeds are laundered, concealed or transferred and identify roles of individuals, networks and institutions in facilitating such illicit transactions.

“Interfere with relevant agencies-including the Ministry of Solid Minerals, Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Security Agencies, State governments, traditional institutions, and licenced mining operators-to obtain submissions, documents, data and expert opinions.”