Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has made startling allegations, stating that powerful Nigerians are actively sponsoring banditry, kidnappings, and illegal mining in the country. Alake made these claims during his appearance before the House Committee on Solid Minerals to defend the Ministry’s 2024 budget estimate at the National Assembly.
According to the minister, the Tinubu administration is currently identifying the individuals behind these criminal activities and will take appropriate action against them. Alake emphasized that these insecurities and criminal activities associated with the mining sector are not the work of artisan miners but are orchestrated by heavy and powerful individuals within the country.
“One discovery that we have made is that a lot of these insecurities and banditry associated with this sector are sponsored by illegal miners. These are not your artisan miners. They are not the people who pick gold on the ground. These are heavy and powerful individuals in our country. They are Nigerians and not foreigners,” Alake stated.
The minister’s revelations shed light on the complex and interconnected challenges facing the mining sector in Nigeria, bringing attention to the need for comprehensive strategies and actions to address the root causes of criminal activities and ensure the sustainable development of the country’s mineral resources.
