The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the procurement of a N2.5 billion satellite system aimed at curbing illegal mining activities across the country.
The approval came during the third meeting of the year on Monday, as announced by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr Dele Alake.
Speaking to State House Correspondents after the FEC meeting, Alake explained that the satellite technology was an integrated solution designed to monitor and combat unlicensed, unregulated, and underreported mining activities.
He emphasised that the deployment of this advanced technology would help mitigate issues such as revenue leakages and illegal extraction of the country’s valuable minerals.
“This technology will provide real-time visual data of ongoing mining operations across the country, Satellite gadgets will be installed in strategic locations, enabling us to monitor mining sites remotely. The system will allow us to track the volume of minerals being extracted, the number of trucks transporting them, and even assess the security situation in these areas.” said Alake.
The technology will be connected to a central operation hub, including the Mines Martial Centre and the Minister’s office, where real-time data will be accessible at the click of a button.
Alake assured that this new system would significantly enhance the government’s ability to monitor mining activities, prevent illegal operations, and enforce regulations.
In addition to the satellite system, Alake outlined a two-pronged strategy his ministry has adopted to address illegal mining in Nigeria. On assuming office, the ministry introduced both persuasive and coercive measures to tackle the issue.
The persuasive approach encourages artisanal miners to form cooperatives, which would allow them to formalise their operations, become more structured, and gain access to financial support from banks.
This, according to the minister, would also ensure they contribute to the country’s revenue by paying taxes and other obligations.
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“We have been able to persuade over 300 cooperative societies to form, which is a step towards legalising their operations and expanding their businesses, When they are formalised, they can access loans to grow their operations, and more importantly, contribute positively to the national economy.” Alake added
However, for those who have resisted the persuasive approach, the government has implemented a coercive strategy.
This includes the establishment of Mining Marshalls, who have been tasked with apprehending and prosecuting illegal miners, including foreign operators.
According to Alake, several arrests and convictions have already been made under this approach.
“Through the coercive strategy, we have arrested, prosecuted, and convicted many illegal miners. The law will take its course on anyone who refuses to comply,” he stated.
The government’s move to address illegal mining comes amid growing concerns over the environmental and economic impact of unregulated mining in Nigeria.
With the introduction of both technological solutions and law enforcement measures, the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development aims to bring illegal mining under control and ensure that Nigeria’s mineral resources are harnessed in a legal and sustainable manner.
