By Fatima Saka
In a decisive move to curb terrorism financing and criminal activities in Nigeria’s mineral sector, the Federal Government has entered into a strategic partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The collaboration aims to strengthen regulatory and security mechanisms around the exploitation of the country’s vast mineral resources.
UNODC’s Project Coordinator on Counter-Terrorism, Mr. Tom Parker, revealed this during a meeting with the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Oladele Alake, in Abuja. He commended the Ministry’s recent initiatives, particularly the creation of Mining Marshals, as proactive steps to combat illegal mining operations.
“We are very impressed by the creation of the Mining Marshals and the broader efforts to address illicit financial flows from natural resources. UNODC is fully committed to supporting Nigeria in implementing this project,” Parker said.
In his remarks, Dr. Alake expressed optimism that the partnership with UNODC would boost the federal government’s crackdown on illegal mining and the criminal networks that benefit from it.
“When I assumed office, I identified a glaring gap in the security architecture for the mining sector. That was why I proposed the Mining Marshals, drawn from the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, with full presidential approval. They’ve been instrumental in arresting and prosecuting illegal miners,” Alake noted.
The minister emphasized that the goal is to disrupt illicit mining activities and ensure full compliance with mining laws. He added that these efforts are already producing positive results, with several operators seeking to regularize their operations.
Furthermore, Dr. Alake disclosed that President Bola Tinubu has approved a new satellite surveillance system for monitoring mining activities nationwide. The system will enable real-time tracking of illegal operations and assist security agencies in rapid deployment to affected sites.
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“The message is clear—illegal mining will no longer be tolerated. It’s no longer business as usual,” the Minister affirmed.
The renewed alliance between Nigeria and the UNODC marks a critical step in the country’s broader strategy to secure its natural resources and block funding channels to criminal and terrorist groups.
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