Retired military generals are responsible for the widespread illegal mining activities across Nigeria, according to Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Interior.
Oshiomhole made this bold allegation during a Senate Appropriations Committee meeting, where Senator Sampson Ekong, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals Development, presented the ministry’s 2025 budget report.
Illegal Mining Threatens Economic Diversification
Oshiomhole, who is also a former governor of Edo State, expressed concerns that Nigeria’s efforts to diversify its economy will fail if the government does not tackle the issue of illegal mining.
“The ongoing illegal mining across the country is being carried out by retired generals, and we know them. Yes, we know them. Nobody in Africa doesn’t know them,” Oshiomhole said.
He revealed that he had previously written to former President Muhammadu Buhari about the issue. “I sent a team to Zamfara for primary elections, and they reported back to me the challenge posed by illegal miners in the area,” he added.
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Call for Military Intervention
Oshiomhole urged the federal government to take drastic measures to curb the menace. He suggested deploying the military and other security forces to combat illegal mining and even oil theft.
“If we have to fight this menace, we need to deploy the Army to deal with anyone involved in illegal mining or pumping of oil. We should also use Joint Task Forces, including the Army, Police, and Air Force, against them,” he stated.
Senate Panel Backs Tough Measures
Members of the Senate panel supported Oshiomhole’s position and called on security agencies to rise to the challenge.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals, Senator Ekong, stressed the need for increased resources to combat illegal mining. “We have unanimously agreed to drastically increase the budget of the Ministry of Solid Minerals,” he said.
National Implications of Illegal Mining
Illegal mining has become a major concern in Nigeria, with significant implications for economic growth and security. While the government seeks to diversify from oil dependency, illegal mining operations undermine efforts to develop the solid minerals sector.
The allegations against retired generals raise critical questions about accountability and the role of influential individuals in perpetuating illegal activities.
Oshiomhole’s call for military intervention signals the Senate’s determination to address the issue, but it remains to be seen how the government will respond to this pressing challenge.