Former Labour leader and Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Interior, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, recently brought to light a disturbing issue that has plagued Nigeria for years: the hijacking of the nation’s solid mineral fields by retired military generals in collaboration with foreign criminals. Oshiomhole revealed that during his tenure as National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), he had submitted a detailed report to former President Muhammadu Buhari, outlining how these powerful individuals were systematically looting Nigeria’s mineral resources. Unfortunately, his efforts yielded no results, as no action was taken to address the issue.

This revelation is not new. In December 2023, the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, a close confidant of President Bola Tinubu, raised similar concerns during a budget defense session at the National Assembly. Alake accused “powerful Nigerians” of being deeply involved in illegal mining activities and even sponsoring terrorism in various parts of the country. He claimed that the government was using both kinetic (military) and non-kinetic (diplomatic) means to identify these individuals. However, to date, no names have been made public, and no one has been held accountable.

A Persistent Problem: Why Has Nothing Been Done?

The fact that Oshiomhole is raising this issue over 14 months after Alake’s initial warning underscores a troubling reality: successive Nigerian presidents have either been unwilling or unable to tackle this problem head-on. Despite the extensive powers vested in the office of the Commander-in-Chief, neither Buhari nor Tinubu has taken decisive action to curb the illegal exploitation of Nigeria’s mineral resources. This raises serious questions about the government’s commitment to protecting the nation’s wealth and ensuring justice.

The situation is further complicated by the apparent disparity in how illegal mining in the North is treated compared to illegal refinery operations in the Niger Delta. While the Federal Government has been quick to deploy the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, and Civil Defence Corps to destroy artisanal refineries in the Niger Delta, arresting and even killing operators in the process, the same urgency has not been shown in addressing illegal mining in the North. This discriminatory approach has fueled allegations of bias and favoritism, further eroding public trust in the government.

The Link Between Illegal Mining and Insecurity

Illegal mining is not just an economic issue; it is also a significant driver of insecurity in Nigeria. For over 16 years, the North has been grappling with escalating violence, including banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism. Many of these criminal activities are funded by the proceeds of illegal mining, which provides a steady stream of revenue for armed groups. Despite this clear connection, the government has failed to take meaningful action to disrupt these networks.

The involvement of retired generals and other powerful individuals in these illegal activities suggests that the problem is deeply entrenched within the system. When such anomalies persist for so long, it often indicates complicity at the highest levels of government. This raises the question: are there powerful figures within the machinery of state who are also benefiting from this plunder?

A Call to Action: Nigeria Must Hold the Culprits Accountable

The time for empty rhetoric and half-hearted measures is over. Nigeria’s leaders must take decisive action to confront the forces that have turned the country into a laughingstock and a case study in state failure. The unchecked plunder of the nation’s resources by a handful of “big men” is unacceptable and must be stopped.

We demand that the government immediately name, shame, and prosecute those involved in illegal mining and the sponsorship of terrorism. It is not enough to chase after small-time bandits while allowing their sponsors to roam free. Anyone who wishes to invest in Nigeria’s mineral sector must follow the lawful process and obtain the necessary licenses.

Government Must Stop Complaining and Act

The Nigerian government must move beyond complaints and take concrete steps to address this issue. This includes:

1. Strengthening Regulatory Frameworks: The government must overhaul the regulatory framework governing the solid minerals sector to ensure transparency and accountability.
2. Deploying Security Forces Equitably: The same level of urgency and force used to combat illegal refineries in the Niger Delta must be applied to illegal mining in the North.
3. Investigating and Prosecuting Culprits: The government must launch a thorough investigation into the involvement of retired generals and other powerful individuals in illegal mining. Those found guilty must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
4. Engaging Local Communities: Local communities must be empowered to play a role in monitoring and reporting illegal mining activities. This will help build trust and ensure that the benefits of Nigeria’s mineral wealth are shared equitably.

Related Stories and Historical Context

• The Niger Delta Crisis: A Tale of Neglect and Exploitation
  The Niger Delta has long been a hotspot for illegal oil refining and environmental degradation. The government’s heavy-handed approach to tackling this issue has often been criticized for failing to address the root causes, including poverty and lack of opportunities.
• The Role of Foreign Actors in Nigeria’s Illegal Mining
  Foreign criminals and corporations have been implicated in the illegal exploitation of Nigeria’s mineral resources. This highlights the need for stronger international cooperation to combat cross-border crimes.
• The Economic Impact of Illegal Mining
  Illegal mining deprives Nigeria of billions of dollars in revenue annually, exacerbating poverty and underdevelopment. Addressing this issue is critical to achieving sustainable economic growth.
• The Link Between Natural Resources and Conflict
  Nigeria’s experience with illegal mining and oil theft underscores the complex relationship between natural resources and conflict. Effective resource management is essential for peace and stability.

Conclusion: Nigeria Must Rise to the Challenge

The illegal exploitation of Nigeria’s solid minerals is a national scandal that demands immediate action. The involvement of retired generals and foreign criminals in this plunder is a stark reminder of the challenges facing the country. However, with strong leadership and a commitment to justice, Nigeria can overcome these obstacles and secure a brighter future for its citizens.

The government must stop complaining and start acting. The time to reclaim Nigeria’s stolen wealth and restore the nation’s dignity is now. Anything less would be a betrayal of the trust placed in our leaders by the Nigerian people.