Following the allegations of illegal mining activities across the country, the House of Representatives Committee on Mineral Exploitation, Security and Anti-Money Laundering have summoned the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Dele Alake and the Director-General of the Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office.
The Committee Chairman, Sanni Abdulraheem issued the directive during Wednesday’s resumed session.
Rep. Abdulraheem said the Ministry of Solid Minerals and the Mining Cadastre Office had shown limited cooperation despite the committee’s friendly approach.
He maintained that the two officials are now required to appear before the Committee on scheduled dates, alongside representatives from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and other anti-graft agencies
The committee is further tasked with investigating the security implications of illegal mining, including links to organized crime, communal conflicts, environmental degradation, and threats to national stability.
It will also review the legal and regulatory framework governing mineral exploitation, identify gaps, and propose necessary amendments or new legislation.
Part of the inquiry includes probing financial flows associated with illegal mineral extraction, including methods used to launder or conceal illicit proceeds and the roles of individuals, networks, and institutions in facilitating such transactions.
Abdulraheem noted, “The committee will interface with relevant agencies—including the Ministry of Solid Minerals, Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, EFCC, security agencies, state governments, traditional institutions, and licensed operators—to obtain submissions, documents, data, and expert opinions.”
The committee will also assess anti-money laundering measures in the sector, recommend strengthened oversight and enforcement mechanisms, and propose strategies to block revenue leakages, enhance transparency, and ensure mineral resources contribute legitimately to national development.
