The Minister for Solid Minerals Development Dr Dele Alake has assured the nation that the formation and deployment of a special security outfit called Mining Marshals will combat illegal mining activities in all forms across the 36 states including Abuja.
Speaking at the historic moment of the formal presentation of the Mining Marshals Corps at the Ministry’s Headquarters Abuja, Thursday 21 March 2024; Dr Alake stated that the Mining Marshals corps who are drawn from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps NSCDC; will work with the Ministry’s Federal Mines Officers in the states to combat illegal mining in all forms.
Elaborating on the modus operandi of the special security outfit; the Minister emphatically stated: ”The 37 commands of this structure will exist in every state plus the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja; which will serve as Mineral Forces. The overall policy command of this operation is domiciled in the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development.”
To this end, Dr Alake assured that the Mines Inspectorate Officers of the Ministry across the states will assist in gathering information that will enable the Commands operate effectively and efficiently in curbing the menace of illegal mining and sanitize our mining environment.
While expressing his appreciation to the Minister of Interior Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo for the collaboration and support, the Minister assured the Mining Marshals of the full back- ups of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development in the execution of their duties.
”Recall that that the President set up an Inter-Ministerial Committee on the Protection of Natural Resources- Mines, Forests and coastal shores of the country were critical components of their mandate.
”One of the outcomes of our strategy is what we are witnessing today- the presentation of the Mining Marshals”; the Minister added.
Speaking on behalf of Minister of Interior Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Commandant- General of the Nigeria Security And Civil Defence Corps NSCDC; Dr. Ahmad Abubakar Audi mni; he affirmed that the NSCDC has a specialized mandate to protect critical national infrastructure, including mining sites. The Commandant – General said the creation of the Mining Marshals Corps , a new unit within the Civil Defence structure, underscored government’s proactive approach to combating illegal mining activities and preserving revenue streams.
Delivering the vote of thanks, the representative of the Permanent Secretary, Kabir Mohammed Suleman mni, Director Human Resource Management Department; expressed gratitude to the Minister for his leadership and pledge full support from the Ministry’s staff in achieving the objectives set forth. He affirmed that the presentation of the Mining Marshals signified a crucial milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen security and maximize revenue from the mineral sector.
Chinwe Ekwugha
Assistant Director
For: Head Inform. & PR
