By 9jaeye 
Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has recently expressed serious concern over the illegal exportation of gold from Nigeria to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Speaking in Abuja on October 29, 2024, Alake revealed that smugglers frequently transport gold mined in Nigeria out of the country, causing billions of dollars in revenue losses each year. Moreover, he emphasized the urgent need for stricter control measures and a more coordinated approach to combat this ongoing illegal trade, which ultimately deprives Nigeria of essential economic benefits from its valuable natural resources.
Growing Impact of Illegal Mining on Nigeria’s Economy
Furthermore, Alake’s statement highlights the critical issue of unauthorized mining and export activities in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector. According to the minister, Nigeria’s gold reserves have the potential to significantly contribute to the national economy if managed properly. However, due to high levels of illegal mining, the country is unable to harness the full economic benefits of its resources. Notably, smugglers transport much of the illegally mined gold to the UAE, selling it in international markets and depriving Nigeria of any economic gain.
New Security Measures and Enforcement Efforts
To tackle this issue, Alake announced that his ministry is intensifying efforts to regulate mining activities. As part of these new initiatives, the ministry has launched a Mines Surveillance Security Task Force and deployed specialized security marshals to monitor mining sites nationwide. In addition, this team, working alongside the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), actively curbs illegal mining activities and enforces compliance with the law. The minister also reiterated that anyone caught mining without authorization would face strict penalties under Nigerian law.
Alake’s ministry has even introduced a 30-day grace period for unauthorized miners to formalize their operations by joining registered cooperatives. This approach not only aims to support legal mining but also enhances government oversight by providing illegal miners a clear pathway to legitimacy
Securing Nigeria’s Economic Future Through Mineral Wealth
In conclusion, Alake emphasized the economic importance of Nigeria’s mineral resources and urged cooperation between federal and state agencies to secure the sector. Additionally, he called on Nigerians to report any suspicious mining activities, stressing that everyone has a role in preserving the country’s mineral wealth. By enforcing stricter controls and cracking down on illegal mining, Nigeria hopes to maximize the economic benefits of its gold reserves and reduce the incentives for illegal exports to foreign countries like the UAE.
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