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Why the Federal Government Must Act Now to Clip the Wings of most State Governors

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

By Farooq Abdullahi

Nigeria’s mining sector is fast growing, attracting global attention due to the enormous wealth buried in the country’s soil. Investors and businessmen are now concentrating on Nigeria’s solid minerals industry. Much of this positive response can be attributed to the efforts of the current Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Oladele Alake, who has implemented security measures and policies. If these measures are properly managed and sustained, Nigeria could ascend to the global stage as a mining powerhouse, with solid minerals joining oil as a major source of revenue for our nation.

As we know, many state governors with mineral resources feel a sense of entitlement when it comes to these resources. Typically, disagreements between federal and state governments on such issues are resolved amicably to avoid chaos. Some state governors like Benue, Zamfara, Niger, Kogi Taraba, among others have banned mining activities in their respective states while they mine for themselves, some use none state actor to intimidate and chase legal miners so that they can mine on other people’s sites.

Let’s take Osun as a case study, Segilola is the only mechanized gold miner that we have in Nigeria at the moment and the pride of the nation in mining sector at international mining forum. Osun state governor woke up one day to stop them from working just because they asked for kangaroo fees that the company refused, before the federal government intervened. Kogi state government will claim he has banned mining activities in the state but is mining on legal tittle holder’s mining site.

However, the Nassarawa State governor has to be the most greedy and self-serving person, endangering not only local and foreign investments but also the reputation of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector. I will shed more light on this troubling development.

The governor pretends to be good and supportive to the Director General of IMCO and the Minister of Solid Minerals, but behind the scenes, he harasses and intimidates legitimate license holders. He uses state resources to block access to mining sites, urges the DG of IMCO to step on people’s evaluation report so as to withhold approvals for Mining Leases by the minister, and even suggests revoking licenses. These actions break federal rules for the mining sector and scare off investors, harming confidence in Nigeria’s mining sector.

It is well known that the mining sector can often be a mafia sector. Victims of this governor’s tactics who lack strong backing find themselves at his mercy. A recent incident on December 24, 2024, shows the extent of the governor’s malfeasance. On that day, his commissioner of environment announced the revocation of a mining license belonging to a company named Timadez, stopping them from working on their site. This act has led many to question whether a governor even possesses the authority to revoke legitimate mining licenses. To make matters worse, the governor openly admitted to transferring the revoked license to a Chinese company. This raises serious concerns: could such an act happen in China?

The Chinese company tried to bribe community leaders to get their consent, but the community rejected them repeatedly. They even offered as much as ₦2,500,000,000, yet the leaders still refused. This makes one wonder why the governor has left his core mandate to become a title revoker and land grabber. Could it be that he took the bribes the community turned down, or was even given more?

Another glaring fact to everyone following the developments in the sector is that the governor is targeting all the choicest lands with existing titles. He wants these lands handed over to the Chinese and aims to position himself as a godfather in the mining sector even after leaving office. This is why he has been causing chaos in the state, making the ministry look bad in the eyes of investors.

Given these developments, I urge the federal government to take swift and decisive action to clip this governor’s wing. His greed, selfishness, and disregard for due process threaten to drive away current and prospective investors in the mining sector.

What people should know is that the sacked Commissioner of Environment and the removed Commissioner of Police are not the true masterminds behind these fraudulent license revocations. The real culprit is the Commander in Greed, the governor himself, and he must be held accountable for his actions.

The Ministry of Solid Minerals and the federal government must act quickly to prevent more harm to Nigeria’s economic interests and image. They should put all the necessary measures and sucour in place to protect indigenous investors. The solid minerals sector has the power to change Nigeria’s economy, and one should not be allowed to ruin this opportunity. Action must be taken immediately.

The most dangerous precedent being set by the DG of IMCO is the fact that his loyalty has shifted from the minister to the Nassarawa state governor, also, there’s no where in the history of the sector that the DG would write to a state governor to authenticate consent letter, until this current DG stooped so low to be writing to Nassarawa state governor and the member of the state assembly to confirm if a consent letter is genuine or not.

The minister of solid mineral needs to swift into action and bring back sanity to the sector, before the state governors, most especially Nassarawa state governor turn the mining sector into confusionist sector.

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Eight Chinese Nationals Remanded In Kuje Prison Over Illegal Mining

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

A FEDERAL high court in Abuja has remanded 8 Chinese nationals and a Nigerian to Kuje Prison in Abuja.

The federal government had arraigned them for illegal mining activities in Lokpaukwu community, Umuchieze, within Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State.

In a statement, Segun Tomori, Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, said the suspects, including eight Chinese nationals and one Nigerian were apprehended by the Mining Marshals, an elite security outfit crafted from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The defendants are Shen Yongchan, Mo Baixian, Xiao Bin, Huang Xu Fa, Ma Bingli, Yang Jian, Li Peiyin, Que Wenyong, Hiyk Edward Desmond, and Wanda Company Limited.

Upon hearing the pleas and arguments from both sides, they were remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre until the adjourned date for the continuation of the trial.

The statement read in part: “The Mining Marshals, codenamed “Operation Hayakin Kogo,”Is the brainchild of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake. This initiative is a pivotal component of his 7-point agenda aimed at sanitizing the mining environment.

“The trial of the suspects began yesterday before Justice J.K Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja. The prosecution filed a 3-count charge, bordering on mining without lawful authority, obstruction of lawful mining operations amongst others.

“The Mining Marshals, led by ACC John Onoja, comprise a 2,570-strong force dedicated to eliminating the nefarious activities of criminal syndicates in mining areas across the country.

“The Minister is committed to strengthening the operations of the Mining Marshals through the infusion of technology and more equipment to ultimately ensure that the nation reaps maximum benefits from its God-given mineral resources.”

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FG arrests 3 illegal miners shutdown, mining site in Abuja

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The federal government’s crackdown on illegal mining led to the apprehension of three suspects and the shutdown of their illegal mining site in Gaube, Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The arrest was carried out by the newly inaugurated Mining Marshals, led by Assistant Commandant John Onoja Attah, under the operation code-named “OPERATION HAYAKIN KOGO.”

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects did not have the necessary documentation authorizing their mining activities on the site.

It was also found that a legitimate mining company with the proper permits for the same location was unable to access the site due to the activities and resistance of the illegal miners.

“This is a clear case of illegal miners displacing lawful miners and investors, which will not be tolerated,” according to the Commander of the Mining Marshals.

The suspects, who voluntarily confessed to the offence of illegal mining, admitted to having been operating on the site for over a year.

As at the time of their arrest, over 2,000 tons of lithium was on the ground, highlighting the scale of the illegal operation.

According to Attah, “Whereas, we met about 2000 tons of lithium on the ground, the quantity of lithium mined since commencement of operation can’t be quantified as they were not being recorded due to the illegality of their mining operations.”

The seized minerals and equipment on site have been marked as exhibits for prosecution, and further investigations are ongoing to uncover the extent of the illegal activities.

The Marshals Commander further said that the crackdown on illegal mining was part of a broader effort to combat revenue loss in the country’s mining sector and attributed the success of the operation to the collaborative efforts of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake and the Commandant General of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi.

He added that the operation is aimed at cleansing the mining sector of illegal activities and promoting a more secure and prosperous industry.

“This operation sends a strong message to illegal miners and investors that the federal government will no longer tolerate illegal activities that undermine the growth and development of the mining sector,” Attah maintained.

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JUST IN: FG bans processing of Nigeria’s mineral resources abroad

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Federal Government has effected a new policy, which makes it imperative for mining companies interested in using its solid minerals to set up their plants in country and process such materials rather than ferrying them away to process abroad.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr. Dele Alake, disclosed the development while briefing the media as part of the one-year anniversary of the President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Alake said announced that in order to prove the seriousness of the administration to the development f the Solid Mineral sector, the ministry has revoked the mining licenses of no fewer than nine thousand dormant companies, that got approvals but did not use the licenses to produce anything.

The minister announced that although the dormant licenses were promptly revoked by the Tinubu’s administration, it had also put in motion new policies that have attracted no fewer than 10,000 new applications for licences, out of which 4000 new ones have been issued to applicants.

Alake boasted that the Tinubu administration was determined to turn the solid mineral industry into a major economic sector to compete favourably with the oil and gas industry and create new source of wealth for Nigeria.

The minister spoke just as his Steel Development counterpart, Mr. Shuaib Audu Abubakar, revealed that the federal government had approved the sourcing of $25 million to revive the Ajaokuta Steel Plant in Kogi State, starting with the production of iron rods for the construction industry.

Abubakar said that the ministry was at the final state of obtaining private sector funding to get the plant partially producing important military hardware and save the country from importing the core items abroad.

Abubakar stated that the ministry was also deliberating on the desirability of bringing back the Russian firm that constructed the Ajaokuta steel plant or engaging other companies from China, India and Nigerians to get the place working maximally for the benefit of the country.

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Illegal Mining: Chinese Nationals Jailed in Kwara

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Illegal mining poses a significant threat to Nigeria’s natural resources and economic well-being. The recent case of two Chinese nationals convicted in Kwara State highlights the ongoing efforts to combat this issue.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) secured the conviction of Duan Ya Hong and Xiao Yi for their involvement in illegal mining activities. According to a statement released by the EFCC, the duo, along with their company, Ebuy Concept Limited, were arraigned before a Federal High Court in Ilorin on April 22, 2024.

The single charge against them alleged the unauthorized purchase of 30 tons of minerals, transported in a truck with registration number JJJ 386 XT, in the Banni area of Kaiama Local Government Area, Kwara State. This act violated Section 1(8)(b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, 1984.

Hong and Yi initially pleaded not guilty to the charges. The court granted them bail of N5 million each with two sureties in the same amount. Additionally, they were remanded in EFCC custody until their bail conditions were met. The case was subsequently adjourned for trial on May 14, 2024.

Taking a surprising turn during the second hearing, both defendants reversed their initial plea and admitted guilt for illegal mining. Their lawyer, I.A. Ahmed, did not object to the prosecution’s evidence, allowing the court to admit it.

Justice Anyadike, presiding over the continued hearing on Wednesday, found Hong and Yi guilty based on the unchallenged evidence presented. Considering their guilty plea, the judge sentenced them each to one year in prison. However, both were given the option of paying a fine – N2 million for Hong and N1.5 million for Yi – to avoid jail time.

The court further ordered the forfeiture of the 30 tons of seized minerals and the truck used to transport them.

This case is not an isolated incident. In July 2023, the EFCC apprehended 13 other Chinese nationals suspected of illegal mining activities in Kwara. These arrests highlight the prevalence of this issue in the state.

The EFCC emphasizes that such illegal activities violate Section 1(8)(b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, which prohibits the unauthorized purchase of minerals. Furthermore, illegal mining deprives the federal government of royalties it is entitled to receive on mined resources.

The conviction of Hong and Yi sends a strong message to those considering engaging in illegal mining in Kwara and beyond. The EFCC’s continued vigilance and enforcement efforts aim to deter such activities and protect Nigeria’s valuable natural resources.

The case also raises questions about the potential environmental damage caused by illegal mining. Unregulated mining practices can lead to deforestation, soil erosion, and water contamination. Further investigations are needed to assess the environmental impact in this case.

Moving forward, collaboration between the EFCC, relevant state agencies, and local communities is crucial. Strengthening regulations, improving enforcement mechanisms, and educating communities about the risks of illegal mining can contribute to a more sustainable approach to managing Nigeria’s mineral resources.
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Proposed Mining Ban Will Skyrocket Insecurity In Nigeria; social scientist

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Any ban on mining activities in Nigeria will create the highest level of insecurity ever witnessed anywhere in the World.

I can bet my life that Northern economy will completely collapse if mining activities are banned. Already the Nigerian economy is headed south!

All the anti-social groups operating in the North will finally have great harvests of members if Mining is banned.

Please the your Ministry of Mines did not tell you, the solid mineral sector in Northern Nigeria directly employs over 5 million people, and indirectly employs over 20 million people with its multiplier effect. Most of those directly employed are highly knowledgeable in the use of explosives, one of the major required materials in mining. let do ourself a favour to guess what will happen in Nigeria if about 30% or more of 5 million of people knowledgeable in explosives are thrown out of legitimate employment to economic uncertainties!

Such an idea should never be contemplated. It is a potentially nuclear idea! No one will come out of it. The government may not be aware that the recent drop in criminalities in Nasarawa State is because of the influx of Chinese in Nigeria looking for lithium bearing minerals.

As a social scientist, who have studied the relationship between the solid mineral sector and crime, I can bet my money that if mining is stopped today in Nigeria, either of two things will happen: it is either the policy is ignored, or the level of insecurities the thoughtless policy will create, will threaten cities like Abuja, which is sharing boundaries with Nasarawa, Kogi, Niger & Kaduna, major mining states.

This is dangerous and must not be entertained!

Ede O.G Nigeria

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INSECURITY: FG Considers Ban On Motorcycles and Mining Nationwide

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Attorney general of the federation, Abubakar Malami has confirmed that the federal government is considering to ban motorcycles and mining nationwide in order to fight insecurity.

Briefing newsmen Thursday at the end of the National Security Council meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, said the ban was one of the resolutions arrived at during the security meeting.

Malami said that the terrorist have moved from conversional means of funding their activities, evolving their financing techniques to mining and ransom taking, which has prompted federal government intervention.

The Attorney general pointed out that the nature of their activities has made government action imperative in order to guarantee the Country’s security. He however noted that the federal government was not unaware of the economic consequences of the proposed resolution, particularly the motorcycle ban.

The AGF stated: “The issues deliberated border on one, the logistics being used by the terrorists, Boko Haram and bandits among others in the act of executing their unfortunate act of terrorism and terrorising the country.

“It was extensively deliberated upon as to what needs to be done for the purpose of ensuring that their means of logistics are indeed adequately considered and necessary steps are taken in degrading their capacity to move around.

“So, discussions were carried out, deliberations made and sizeable resolutions in that direction were equally developed.

“The government would looked into that possibility with particular regard to restriction on use and distribution of motorcycles which is the most conventional logistical means being deployed by terrorists.

“Again, issues of funding of the terrorism and the terrorism acts were discussed and deliberated upon and considered. As you rightly know, recently the government under the leadership of President Buhari had indeed, passed, assented to certain bills inclusive of the money laundering, prevention and prohibition act among others.

“With the passage of that law, and assented to, the conventional means of terrorists funding and financing was substantially and drastically addressed and that led to forensic analysis of and identification of certain personalities that were in one way or the other connected with terrorism funding and financing.

“But then, new innovations were brought into it, into the terrorists funding and financing inclusive of the use of mineral resources – the mining for example among others. And indeed, ransom, which

conventionally has been taken by the terrorists, and then, the need arises to now look into those frontiers that are being considered by the terrorists for the purpose of addressing them accordingly.

“A resolution was equally developed on the need to address frontally, attack and ensure at the end of the day that other considerations being put in place by terrorists in terms of funding their activities are equally addressed.

“And with that in mind, the government is looking at what measures to take in terms of addressing, bridging and blocking associated sources of funding including payment for ransom and indeed, the mining activities and the possibility or otherwise of suspending for the time being, mining activities, are being considered as well, by the government.

“Again other than logistics and funding, mining, other considerations were equally put in place on table for consideration by council with particular regard to the unfortunate incident of the (Kuje) Correctional Service attack and equally, there were anticipated resolutions arising from the consequences associated with dereliction of duty.

“Issues associated with logistics of terrorists and bandits, issues associated with blockage of the source of funding, issues associated with the likely possible suspension of mining activities if indeed, it is a nexus and connection is indeed established and the issues associated with consequences for dereliction of duty if indeed, it is established arising from the report expected and anticipated relating to the Kuje correctional incident.”

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