LEADERSHIP NEWS
In the past year, the federal government has made significant strides to secure the country’s mining environment by establishing the Mining Marshals – a specially formed task force designed to tackle illegal mining and its associated security challenges. On March 21, 2025, the country marked the first anniversary of this initiative, a milestone that presents a mixed picture of progress, challenges, and the road ahead.
The Mining Marshals, the product of inter-ministerial collaboration between the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Defence, the Police, and the Ministry of Environment, have been at the forefront of the government’s efforts to safeguard Nigeria’s solid mineral resources. These resources are considered the “next oil” and a crucial component in diversifying the economy. While the government has every reason to celebrate its efforts so far, pressing issues still require attention.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Oladele Alake, a key driver in forming the Mining Marshals, presented a report highlighting positive developments. Since inception, the Marshals have reportedly arrested 327 individuals, with 143 currently being prosecuted, including several foreign nationals. Their efforts have led to the identification of 457 illegal mining sites, 98 of which have been successfully recovered. The Marshals have also flushed out thousands of illegal miners from regions where mining operations had been disrupted for years.
In addition, the formation of the Mining Marshals has given a much-needed boost to government revenues from the solid minerals sector, which has long been plagued by illegal mining activities that divert vital resources. The Marshals’ actions have begun to restore order and legality, indicating that the initiative has already had a psychological impact on those who have long enjoyed impunity.