After receiving reports of intermediaries acting as state officials and exploiting victims, the Kwara State Government has opened a thorough inquiry into illicit revenue diversion at mining sites. This comes after an investigation by Premium Times revealed extensive illicit mining activity in Kwara State’s border settlements, especially in Bani, Kaiama Local Government Area (LGA).
On October 10, 2024, Afeez Abolore Alabi, the Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development, acknowledged during an inter-ministerial briefing that the state is looking into unregistered persons who take money from mining operations and keep it for themselves instead of giving it to the government. Alabi expressed concern that these kinds of acts make it harder for the state to govern and erode its ability to make money from its plentiful mineral resources.
The Function of Middlemen in Mining Exploitation
The substantial role middlemen have had in escalating illegal mining in the area was emphasised in the Premium Times study. These people, who frequently pose as government agents, exploit weak laws to embezzle money intended for the government. The growth of illicit mining operations has had serious detrimental effects on the local economy and environment in border areas like Bani due to the lack of strict enforcement measures.
Alabi bemoaned how difficult it has been for the state to appropriately utilise its substantial mineral resources, which include industrial minerals and precious metals. In an effort to eliminate these intermediaries and lessen illicit mining, the state’s Solid Minerals Development Ministry is currently collaborating closely with law enforcement to reduce illegal the absolute minimum.
Government Intervention and Participation of Stakeholders and Law Enforcement
The Kwara State administration has declared that it will host a stakeholders’ meeting before the end of the year in an effort to address the escalating situation. Local residents, traditional leaders, and law enforcement will gather to create a path for sustainable mining methods and improved tax collection. Since the solid minerals industry has enormous potential for both economic growth and the generation of jobs, the government wants to make sure that all pertinent parties are involved in bringing order to this sector.
Commissioner Alabi reaffirmed the government’s resolve to combat illicit mining and guarantee that the state reaps the full advantages of its natural resources. He went on to say that law enforcement, local communities, and the government must work together. for releasing the industry’s full potential and stopping further abuse.
Nigeria’s government is facing more obstacles in regulating its mining sector, as seen by the actions taken as Kwara State steps up efforts to combat illicit mining and revenue diversion. In order to guarantee that the nation’s mineral riches supports sustainable development and helps local populations, it is imperative that these challenges be resolved.
This inquiry highlights how crucial accountability and openness are to resource management, and its findings will probably have a big impact on how mining is conducted in Kwara State and elsewhere in the future.
