A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Delta State gubernatorial aspirant, Chief Sunny Onuesoke, has urged the Federal Government to take immediate action against illegal mining operations in northern Nigeria. While acknowledging existing government efforts, he argued that they remain inadequate in addressing the growing issue.
Speaking to journalists at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, Onuesoke highlighted the severe economic and social impact of illegal solid mineral mining. He explained that such activities deprive Nigeria of substantial revenue, disrupt economic stability, and hinder long-term development, exacerbating socio-economic challenges across the country.
His remarks followed recent allegations by Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who claimed that retired military generals were complicit in illegal mining activities in northern Nigeria. Onuesoke lamented the government’s disproportionate focus on tackling crude oil theft in the Niger Delta while failing to curb illegal mining of gold, uranium, and other precious minerals in the North.
He cited data from the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), revealing that over 13 years, the solid minerals sector generated only $1.4 billion, whereas the oil and gas sector amassed a staggering $394 billion in just 10 years. He argued that while oil drilling primarily benefits the government, illegal mining enriches individuals in the North at the expense of national development.
Onuesoke also linked illegal mining to the surge in banditry and communal violence, pointing out that 80% of mining activities in northern Nigeria are conducted unlawfully by local groups. He noted that the resulting conflicts, which have intensified since 2014, have spread across states like Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Plateau, and Zamfara.
Despite a government ban on artisanal gold mining and the deployment of security forces to enforce the law, he noted that illegal mining and the accompanying violence continue unabated. “The government must take stronger measures to put an end to these illicit activities,” Onuesoke stressed.
