To strengthen the fight against illegal mining, the Federal Government has pledged increased logistical and operational support for the Mining Marshals
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, made this known while addressing the mining marshals in Abuja.
Alake acknowledged the leadership of the Commandant of the Mining Marshals, John Onoja, for his efforts in securing the sector.
“The first and most important part of your mandate is to protect the real wealth of Nigeria, And in doing this, the first step is to foster legal operations in the mining sector apprehend illegal operators and prosecute them.”
“We will provide modern weapons, communication gadgets, vehicles, and other logistics to enhance your efficiency. This is not just for you, not for me as a person, nor the President as an individual it is for Nigeria,” he stressed.
He lauded the task force’s achievements, highlighting the arrest of hundreds of illegal miners and successful prosecutions.
“You have not been found wanting in the last one year. We have not had any negative reports of corruption or collusion, and that is commendable” Dr. Alake emphasized.
“Your work directly contributes to Nigeria’s revenue and economic growth. History will not forget you,” he assured.
The Minister noted that the President is satisfied with the task force’s performance, leading to an increase in the ministry’s budget, which will enhance field operations.
Dr. Alake emphasized that with renewed government backing, the crackdown on illegal mining is expected to intensify, reinforcing efforts to harness Nigeria’s solid minerals sector for sustainable development.
In his remarks, Commandant ACC Onoja expressed gratitude to the minister for his guidance and support, noting that the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) approved by the minister has contributed immensely to the successes recorded over the past 365 days.
He welcomed the federal government’s gesture to boost their operations with improved logistics, emphasising that the corps is motivated to ramp up the battle against illegal mining with a view to sanitizing the mining sector.
