The Federal Government of Nigeria has entered into a strategic partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to enhance the country’s capacity to combat criminal and terrorist financing linked to the solid minerals sector.
The collaboration, funded by the Canadian government, aims to bolster the skills of law enforcement and judicial agencies in detecting, investigating, and prosecuting illicit financial flows tied to conflict financing, money laundering, and the funding of armed groups through illegal mining activities.
A delegation from UNODC, led by Mr. Tom Parker, Project Coordinator on Counter Terrorism, visited the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, to discuss the initiative.
The team included project officers Inneke Geysens Bourgions and Nicole Andersen.
During the meeting, Parker commended the Minister for establishing the Mining Marshals and implementing measures to curb illegal mining. He affirmed UNODC’s commitment to working with the ministry to execute the project effectively.
In his response, Dr. Alake welcomed the initiative, stating that it would significantly support the Federal Government’s efforts to tackle illegal mining and related crimes fueled by the illicit exploitation of Nigeria’s mineral resources.
The Minister explained that the Mining Marshals, drawn from the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), were established to bypass constitutional hurdles associated with creating a new security outfit.
“When I assumed office, I recognized the need for a specialized security framework for the mining sector.
With President Bola Tinubu’s approval, we set up the Mining Marshals, who have been instrumental in arresting and prosecuting illegal miners.
This move sends a clear message that illegal activities will no longer be tolerated, and we are already seeing positive results as many operators are now complying with mining regulations,” Alake stated.
He further disclosed that the President has approved the deployment of a satellite monitoring system for mines to enhance surveillance, detect malpractices, and enable swift security responses to illegal mining incidents.
The partnership with UNODC underscores Nigeria’s commitment to securing its mining sector, ensuring transparency, and disrupting financial networks that fund terrorism and criminal activities through mineral exploitation.
