By Dare Akogun
The Executive Director of the Renevlyn Development Initiative Philip Jakpor, has urged the federal government to adopt a strategic and stringent regulatory approach to tackle illegal mining, which he says poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s environment and future.
Speaking on Sobi FM’s program ‘Home Front’, Jakpor emphasized the intertwined nature of illegal mining and climate change, calling for urgent action to mitigate their combined impact.
Jakpor, who spoke passionately about the dangers posed by unchecked mining practices, criticized the government’s current efforts as insufficient, pointing to the extensive harm being done to both the environment and local communities.
“We all know the dangers of illegal mining, yet it appears that the government is not doing enough.
“There must be proactive measures to curb illegal mining activities, especially those carried out by foreigners, while also safeguarding the rights and welfare of affected communities.”
Highlighting the plight of local communities, Jakpor explained that many are compelled by systemic neglect to participate in the exploitation of their lands, often out of economic desperation.
This dynamic, he warned, bears troubling similarities to the environmental degradation seen in the Niger Delta, where oil exploration has ravaged ecosystems, agriculture, and water resources.
“If left unchecked, illegal mining will lead to similar destruction across the country. We are facing the same issues as in the Niger Delta, including destroyed farmlands, polluted water resources, and severe environmental degradation,” he said.
Jakpor’s remarks come as concerns over illegal mining continue to mount, with foreign and local entities allegedly carrying out unregulated operations in mineral-rich areas, often with little regard for the environment or the welfare of host communities.
It will be recalled that the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals Development says stiff laws will check illegal mining activities in the country.
The panel took the position on Tuesday when it visited the federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development in Abuja.
In July, the House of Representatives said the country was losing $9bn annually to illegal mining.
Chairman of the committee Ekong Sampson, said the senate is committed to ensuring that the federal government maximizes the full potential of the sector.
“Illegal operators not only undermine revenue but also disrupt oversight functions. By enacting stronger legal measures, we can create a mining environment free from unauthorised activities,” he said.
“What you need to know is that there is going to be a review of policy. We are exploring trajectories to ramp up revenue for the government. Through proper consultations and collaboration, we need to firm up the economy.
“So we are committed to working together and the important thing is that this sector needs attention and having a very committed Nigerian as a minister, working closely with the national assembly, better days are ahead.
“Together with the ministry and through active collaboration, we are confident in our ability to drive sustainable development in this essential sector.”
On his part, Dele Alake, minister of solid minerals development, said his ministry has generated significant revenue for the country.
“The report of our revenue collection is also there,” Alake said.
“We have recorded over N17 billion and if you compare that with the performance in 2023, you will see a quantum leap, and about two weeks ago, we were able to secure a N2.7 billion forfeiture from an illegal operator engaging in illegal mining operation.”
The minister said he would work with the national assembly to boost the solid minerals sector to the advantage of the country.
