Despite its vast mineral wealth, Nigeria continues to suffer staggering economic and environmental losses due to rampant illegal mining. Experts and affected communities have raised alarms, saying the illicit activity is not only robbing the country of revenue but also fuelling insecurity and ecological damage on a massive scale.
In 2023, the solid minerals sector contributed just 0.77% to Nigeria’s GDP, down slightly from 0.84% in 2022. Though modest on paper, experts argue this figure conceals the sector’s true economic potential. A recent report noted that the underperformance is largely due to the unchecked spread of illegal mining—estimated to cost the country trillions of naira annually.
Illegal mining operations in Nigeria range from unlicensed artisanal activities to complex smuggling networks backed by influential individuals and foreign entities. According to researchers Amosu C.O. and Adeosun T.A., the issue has persisted since independence, enabled by weak regulation and poor policy enforcement. They describe illegal mining as any activity conducted without government approval, mineral rights, or environmental safeguards.
The underlying causes are multifaceted: corruption, poor governance, inadequate enforcement, and economic desperation in rural communities. Professor Akinade Olatunji, president of the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society, stressed the importance of funding and equipping federal mining offices across states. “We cannot continue to pay lip service,” he warned, arguing that state-level oversight is essential to curbing the problem.
Beyond economic loss, the environmental fallout is severe. Unsafe practices, often involving toxic substances, lead to deforestation, water contamination, and hazardous land degradation. Amosu and Adeosun cite crude mining methods that leave behind deadly craters and polluted water bodies. A notorious example is the lead poisoning tragedy in Zamfara State, where over 400 people died, and thousands more—mainly children—were affected after ore-processing contaminated the local environment.
Jonathan Gbefwi, Chairman of the House Committee on Solid Minerals, estimates that illegal mining drains approximately $9 billion from Nigeria each year. This figure reflects both smuggled minerals and lost tax revenues. NEITI (Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative) supports this view, revealing that 80% of mining in Nigeria is done by largely unregulated artisanal miners, resulting in an estimated $2–3 billion in annual losses from other minerals beyond gold.
Hon. Ebube Ebisike George, Minister of Trade under SOAD, echoed these concerns in a recent interview, highlighting the sophisticated nature of the problem. “Gold alone accounts for roughly $9 billion in lost revenue due to illegal exports,” he said, noting that Nigeria has at least 44 solid minerals in commercial quantities, including lithium, cobalt, and copper—critical resources in the global energy transition.
He acknowledged the Tinubu administration’s response, particularly the creation of a Mining Marshal corps made up of 2,220 NSCDC officers, 60 of whom are assigned to each state. However, he admitted the effort faces stiff resistance. “The NSCDC is only the first line of defence,” he said. “Other security agencies, including the military and DSS, must join the fight.”
Ebisike was blunt in accusing high-ranking officials of collusion. “The real enemies are within,” he said, alleging that members of the political elite and top security officials use their influence and even private jets to aid the illegal export of minerals. He referenced the ongoing political fallout in Zamfara State as a case study in how deep the problem runs.
Former Edo State governor Senator Adams Oshiomhole also expressed concern about these internal threats, which Ebisike believes must be tackled head-on. He called on the Tinubu administration to enact a bold, impartial anti-corruption drive within the solid minerals sector, one that holds all perpetrators accountable—regardless of their political connections.
Looking forward, Ebisike championed the empowerment of indigenous mining firms. He called for increased support from financial institutions like the Bank of Industry, including funding for advanced technology, safety training, and workforce development. He also urged stricter environmental controls and the use of drones and satellite surveillance to monitor mining sites.
Ultimately, Ebisike argued that real change hinges on strong political will, investment in sustainable practices, and strategic partnerships. “The solid minerals sector must be sanitised,” he said. “Only by addressing both the visible illegal miners and the powerful actors behind them can Nigeria unlock its full mineral potential and secure a better future for its people.”
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has reaffirmed the government’s determination to rein in illegal mining. But as stakeholders continue to sound the alarm, many believe that stronger, more transparent action is needed to stop the bleeding of the Nigerian economy.
