(Ecofin Agency) – In Nigeria, illegal mining is one of the causes of the low contribution of the mining sector to the economy. To realize the potential of its 700 billion dollars in mineral resources, the country has decided to intensify the fight against the phenomenon.
In Nigeria, the armed forces announced on Saturday April 27 the arrest of four Chinese nationals suspected of illegal mining. The suspects intercepted during an operation on an illegal site admitted to extracting and selling lithium there, indicates a press release from the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) relayed by the local press.
These arrests are part of the strategy of intensive fight against illegal mining, promoted in recent months by the government of President Tinubu. It should be noted that the presence of Chinese actors in illegal mining in Nigeria has already been highlighted on numerous occasions. Between 2020 and 2023, around twenty nationals from the Middle Kingdom were arrested by various security services for illegal mining activities in the states of Zamfara, Kwara and Akwa.
According to an ENACT note, these illegal Chinese miners are integrated into criminal networks and operate on different mining resources, but with increased activity in the exploitation of gold. Their presence would be favored by an inadequate migration policy, with the granting of tourist visas to Chinese workers who remain in Nigeria after the expiration of their visa. Furthermore, the lack of attention paid for years to the fight against illegal mining would have contributed to the entrenchment of these foreign actors who come in addition to local actors, further complicating repression.
As a reminder, Nigeria has mineral resources valued at $700 billion, but its mining sector represents less than 1% of GDP. Illegal mining is one of the causes of this problem which the authorities are now trying to resolve. In addition to more resources allocated to repression, the government should also focus on raising awareness among local communities about the dangers to the environment and safety of these activities, while modifying the legislation to strengthen sanctions, argues the ENACT.
Emiliano Tossou
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04/23/2024 – Nigeria: Bola Tinubu denounces illegal mining as a Source of financing for terrorist groups
09/17/2022 – Ghana: 164 miners and a Chinese gang arrested in a few days for illegal gold mining
