The Senate ad hoc committee investigating corruption and inefficiency at Ajaokuta Steel Company and the National Iron Ore Mining Company (NIOMCO) uncovered illegal mining at NIOMCO’s facility in Itakpe, Kogi State. Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central district raised concerns on Monday during an oversight visit, revealing that gold and other precious minerals were being mined illegally on-site, even though official mining operations stopped in 2008.
She expressed concern over the illegal extraction of gold and other precious minerals within the company’s premises, despite its mining operations ceasing in 2008. The committee discovered that illegal miners from northern Nigeria have been operating unhindered, gaining entrance to the company due to its lack of fencing. The miners claimed to be working for various gold dealers. The acting sole administrator of NIOMCO, Isinmidun Festus Loto, confirmed that illegal mining is a major challenge facing the company.
The committee discovered that miners from Northern Nigeria had been accessing the company grounds, unhindered by security, due to a lack of perimeter fencing. These miners reportedly claimed they were extracting minerals on behalf of various gold dealers. NIOMCO’s acting sole administrator, Isinmidun Festus Loto, confirmed that illegal mining is a major challenge for the company. He appealed for legislative support to secure federal assistance in protecting the company’s equipment, valued at billions of dollars.
In their findings, the Senate committee stressed the urgent need for intervention to prevent further illegal activities and potential breakdowns in law and order at NIOMCO.