In a decisive move to address the growing issue of illegal mining in Nigeria, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) convened on Monday for its third meeting of the year, where it approved the procurement of a N2.5 billion satellite technology system. This initiative aims to enhance surveillance and regulation of mining activities across the country.
Mr. Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, provided insights into the new strategy during a briefing with State House Correspondents following the FEC meeting. He emphasized that the satellite technology represents an integrated solution designed to tackle unlicensed, unregulated, and underreported mining operations.
“The deployment of this technology will significantly reduce revenue leakages and curb illegal activities associated with the extraction and exploitation of Nigeria’s mineral resources,” Alake stated.
He elaborated on the capabilities of the satellite system, which will be strategically installed across the nation to provide real-time visual monitoring of mining sites.
“There will be a centralized operation center equipped with screens that will allow us to monitor various mining locations at a glance. With just a click of a button, we can assess the volume of minerals being extracted, track the number of trucks leaving the site, and evaluate the security situation in the area,” he explained.
In addition to the satellite technology, Alake outlined a comprehensive two-pronged strategy to combat illegal mining. Upon taking office, he adopted both persuasive and coercive approaches to address the issue effectively.
The persuasive strategy involves encouraging artisanal miners to form cooperatives. “By organizing into cooperatives, these miners can formalize their operations, add value to the nation, and gain access to financial institutions for loans to expand their businesses,” Alake noted.
He reported that the ministry has successfully facilitated the formation of over 300 cooperative societies among illegal and artisanal miners.
For those who remain resistant to the persuasive approach, the ministry has implemented a coercive strategy, exemplified by the establishment of Mining Marshalls. “This initiative has led to the arrest, prosecution, and conviction of illegal operators, including foreign nationals,” Alake added.
