FG’s mining marshals boost revenue from N6bn to N38bn
The Commander of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals, Attah Onoja, on Tuesday, disclosed that revenues accruing from the mining sector increased from paltry N6 billion to over N38 billion within one year of the establishment of the Mining Marshall. Speaking at a media parley and workshop organised by the Nigeria […]
The Commander of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals, Attah Onoja, on Tuesday, disclosed that revenues accruing from the mining sector increased from paltry N6 billion to over N38 billion within one year of the establishment of the Mining Marshall.
Speaking at a media parley and workshop organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council on “The fight Against Illegal Mining: Role of the Media”, Onoja said the efforts of the Mining Marshalls in addressing illegal mining activities across the country have led to a significant increase in revenues accruing from the mining sector.
Onoja while urging the media to join in the fight against illegal mining, cautioned against biased or compromised reportage, adding that illegal mining cartels were sponsoring what he called “rogue journalism” to discredit enforcement efforts.
“We will not cave to any blackmail designed to weaken our resolve. Illegal mining cannot be defeated by enforcement agencies alone, and this is why we are calling on the media to be partners in this fight,” Onoja said.
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He disclosed that the Marshals—an enforcement arm of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)—had dismantled illegal camps, prosecuted offenders, and restored order in volatile mining corridors since their creation under the Tinubu administration by directive of the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Dele Alake.
While admitting challenges such as entrenched interests and inadequate logistics, Onoja insisted the campaign was crucial to national survival.
“Our message is clear: Nigeria’s mineral wealth belongs to all Nigerians—not to be plundered by a few,” he declared.
The Commissioner of Police in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ajao Adewale, while speaking, revealed that illegal mining has become a powerful cartel-driven enterprise bankrolled by influential Nigerians, fueling banditry and costing the country an estimated $9 billion (N13.7 trillion) annually.