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By Tracy Moses
The House of Representatives Committee on Mineral Exploitation, Security and Anti-Money Laundering has summoned the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Dele Alake, and the Director-General of the Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office to appear before it over the escalating problem of illegal mining across the country.
The committee issued the summons on Wednesday during its ongoing investigative hearing, with Chairman Hon. Sanni Egidi Abdulraheem expressing dissatisfaction with the level of cooperation received from key government agencies involved in the sector.
Abdulraheem lamented that despite the committee’s open and cordial engagement with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), the response from the Ministry of Solid Minerals and the Mining Cadastre Office had been “grossly inadequate.”
“Despite our friendly approach to these MDAs—particularly the two major institutions central to this inquiry—the cooperation so far has been disappointing,” he said.
He noted that the Committee Secretariat had been directed to formally notify both the minister and the Cadastre Office DG to appear before lawmakers on specified dates, ideally alongside the EFCC and other anti-corruption bodies.
Abdulraheem also outlined the committee’s broader investigative strategy, which includes oversight visits to agencies under its jurisdiction, field inspections of mining sites nationwide, and further interface with selected MDAs before submitting its report to the House.
According to him, the House has tasked the committee with several responsibilities, including:
Conducting a comprehensive probe into the scale, operators, processes, and implications of illegal mineral exploitation, as well as the revenue losses associated with it.
Reviewing the operations and challenges of security outfits deployed to mining zones—such as the NSCDC, Mining Marshals, and other formations—to determine their capacity to protect mining assets.
Investigating the security implications of illegal mining, including links to organised crime, communal violence, environmental degradation, and threats to national stability.
Examining the existing laws and regulations governing mineral exploitation, identifying gaps or conflicts, and proposing amendments or new legislation where necessary.
Tracking financial flows tied to illegal mining, uncovering channels used to launder or conceal proceeds, and identifying networks involved.
Working with relevant institutions—such as the Solid Minerals Ministry, Mines and Steel Development Ministry, NFIU, EFCC, security agencies, state authorities, traditional rulers, and licensed operators—to gather data, documents, and expert submissions.
Evaluating current anti–money laundering measures in the solid minerals sector and recommending stronger compliance and enforcement mechanisms.
Suggesting measures to block revenue leakages, boost transparency in the mineral value chain, and ensure legitimate contribution of the sector to national growth.
Organising public hearings and stakeholder engagements to encourage transparency and build consensus on addressing illegal mining and its attendant security and financial risks.
Presenting a detailed report of findings and recommendations to the House within the mandated timeframe.
He added that the committee remains ready to take on any additional tasks assigned by the House in the course of fulfilling its mandate.