The House of Representatives has inaugurated an ad hoc committee on illegal mining, with a mandate to recover an estimated $9 billion Nigeria loses annually to unregulated mining activities.
Chairman of the committee, Hon. Sanni Abdulraheem, during the inauguration in Abuja, described illegal mining as a major threat to national revenue, a driver of insecurity, and a cause of severe environmental degradation.
Abdulraheem noted that the country’s vast mineral wealth, which should be a source of economic growth, has for years been exploited illegally, depriving Nigeria of crucial revenue. He said the committee’s mandate includes curbing revenue losses, promoting transparency, and ensuring that mineral resources contribute meaningfully to national development.
“One of our main goals is to seal the loopholes that allow for the loss of revenue through illegal mining and its related activities,” Abdulraheem said. “These practices rob our country and hinder the growth of legitimate mining operations that could enhance our Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).”
He explained that the committee would conduct extensive oversight to strengthen revenue tracking mechanisms and ensure that proceeds from the mining sector are properly remitted into government accounts.
Highlighting the broader impacts of illegal mining, Abdulraheem warned that such activities contribute to insecurity, environmental pollution, deforestation, and the displacement of local communities. He assured that the committee would confront these issues head-on in line with its constitutional oversight responsibilities.
“We are determined to uncover corruption, eliminate malpractice, and ensure that Nigeria’s natural resources benefit all citizens,” he stated, adding that the committee would carry out investigations, gather evidence, and propose actionable recommendations to restore order and accountability in the sector.
On the Ajaokuta Steel Company, Abdulraheem commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its renewed efforts to revive the long-dormant industrial complex. He described Ajaokuta as a symbol of missed opportunities, expressing optimism that the government’s current commitment would help unlock its economic potential.
He lauded the appointment of a qualified Nigerian professional to lead the plant’s revival, saying it marked a positive turning point for the nation’s steel industry, which could drive industrialization, job creation, and sustainable economic growth.
Abdulraheem also thanked Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, for entrusting him with the leadership of the committee.
Meanwhile, Commander of the Mining Marshals, ACC Attah John Onoja, who represented the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), pledged full cooperation with the committee. He revealed that since the launch of the Mining Marshals initiative in March 2024, over 500 illegal miners had been arrested, with about 270 cases currently in court and several recent convictions recorded.
Onoja said the NSCDC remains committed to working with the House committee to clamp down on illegal mining, protect national assets, and promote lawful mining operations across the country.
