The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has warned mining operators across the country to comply with relevant laws and regulations or risk prosecution.
The warning was issued on Monday by the Commander of the NSCDC Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant of Corps John Attah, in a statement released in Abuja.
The corps said the warning followed intensified nationwide enforcement operations by its Mining Marshals aimed at curbing illegal mining and ensuring greater compliance in the solid minerals sector.
Attah said the enforcement teams, particularly those operating in the South-West, had recorded progress in monitoring mining activities and ensuring that operators adhered to regulatory requirements.
He, however, cautioned miners against operating outside the law, stressing that ignorance of existing regulations would not protect offenders from prosecution.
“Ignorance of the law will never be an excuse. Every operator must ensure that mining activities are conducted within the ambit of the law.
“Those who choose to operate outside the regulatory framework will face the full weight of legal consequences.”
According to the commander, the enforcement campaign is not limited to shutting down illegal mining operations but is also intended to protect legitimate investors, boost government revenue and restore confidence in the solid minerals industry.
He said strict compliance was necessary to ensure that Nigeria’s mineral resources were exploited responsibly, safely and sustainably for the benefit of the economy.
Illegal mining has continued to pose challenges to Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, with concerns over environmental degradation, revenue leakages, insecurity and exploitation of mineral resources by unlicensed operators.
The Federal Government has identified the sector as an important part of its economic diversification strategy, particularly as Nigeria seeks to reduce its reliance on crude oil revenue.
Nigeria has significant deposits of minerals including gold, lithium, limestone, coal, bitumen and tin. However, the sector has yet to fully realise its economic potential amid regulatory and security challenges.
The NSCDC said its renewed enforcement efforts would continue as part of broader measures to sanitise the industry and ensure that mining activities are carried out within the approved legal framework.
