Curbing Illegal Mining in Nigeria: UN commends Kogi, Kaduna

By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has commended Kogi and Kaduna States for their proactive efforts in addressing challenges in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector. Princess Chifiero, a representative of UNODC, gave the commendation at the two-day national workshop held from April 29 to 30, 2025, at the Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja. The event was organized by the National Institute for Security Studies in collaboration with Allied Bond Consulting to address issues confronting the sector.

Princess Chifiero praised the efforts of the Kogi State Government under the leadership of Governor Ododo Usman, particularly for implementing inclusive and strict regulations to combat illegal mining. She affirmed UNODC’s commitment to preventing crime and supporting the fight against illegal mining in Nigeria. “The UNODC is ready to collaborate with stakeholders to combat illegal mining, smuggling, and protect mining sites and host communities, all in the interest of economic growth and development for Nigerians,” she assured.

Responding to Standard-Times Nigeria, Kogi State Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Hon. Bashir Abubakar Muhammed, during a live session, identified improper licensing as the root cause of illegal mining. He explained:
“As I mentioned earlier, the main cause of illegal mining in Nigeria, particularly in Kogi State, stems from the wrongful issuance of mining or exploration licenses. If the letter of consent from traditional rulers is not properly obtained, and a license is issued to a company in that area, illegal activities will emerge. Traditional rulers may resist such operations because they feel they were not consulted.

The Mining Cadastral Office may not always verify the authenticity of land ownership or the identity of community leaders. Sometimes, they rely on paperwork and phone numbers that may not belong to the actual traditional rulers. When licenses are issued under such circumstances, conflict arises. Traditional rulers may then write disclaimers to state or federal authorities, and during this period of uncertainty, locals often begin artisanal mining activities.”

Addressing the challenge, the commissioner stressed: “To reduce or completely eliminate illegal mining, we must ensure that miners obtain genuine consent letters from recognized traditional rulers, which are backed by the state government. In Kogi State, we have a law signed by Governor Ododo Usman requiring all prospective miners to get consent cleared by the state government. This ensures the authenticity of the consent and empowers the government and traditional leaders to identify and confront illegal actors.”

He further disclosed that Governor Ododo has made it clear that any traditional ruler found to be harboring illegal miners in their community will be stripped of their title. “If it is discovered that the consent letter was not genuinely issued, the government will take appropriate action after completing the required processes,” the commissioner stated.

He added: “To effectively curb illegal activities, the Federal Government must be strict in verifying consent forms submitted by companies before licenses are issued. Often, the problems begin when fake or improper consents are used, leading to conflicts, disclaimers, and a surge in illegal mining during the resulting power vacuum.”

The commissioner noted that, while solid minerals fall under the exclusive list of the Federal Government, the role of state governments is crucial. “Before reaching the federal level, state governments, as hosts to the communities, are the first responders. They are responsible for protecting the land and securing the environment against illegal activities,” he said.

“In Kogi State, we are creating an enabling environment and seriously tackling insecurity. Any miner who fails to take the security of lives and property seriously will not thrive here. The protection of lives and property is paramount, and our Governor is committed to it,” he stated.

Speaking on the significance of the workshop, the commissioner said:
“Just three days before Governor Ododo Usman’s investment trip to China, he unveiled new mining equipment, signaling Kogi State’s readiness to explore its own mineral resources. We are not leaving this to foreigners or non-indigenes. While we believe in one Nigeria, we prefer that Nigerians, especially from Kogi, mine and process our resources rather than foreigners taking raw materials out of the country.”

He added that the governor’s trip to China was aimed at attracting investors and forming joint ventures to explore, process, and add value to the state’s mineral resources. “The goal is not just to extract minerals but to develop them within the state for the benefit of Kogi and Nigeria at large. The growth of the mining sector is a key pillar of our economic renaissance,” he concluded.