By Nkechi Eze
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has intensified surveillance and enforcement operations across mining locations nationwide to protect Nigeria’s mineral resources, check illegal mining activities and ensure strict compliance with mining laws and safety regulations.
The renewed enforcement drive, being coordinated by the Corps’ Mining Marshals, is also designed to strengthen regulatory oversight, prevent revenue leakages and promote responsible mining practices across the country’s solid minerals sector.
In the latest operation, the Mining Marshals conducted an enforcement exercise in Nasarawa State in collaboration with the Federal Mines Officer and the state’s mining regulatory team to monitor operators’ compliance with approved mining laws, operational guidelines and safety requirements.
The initiative reflects the commitment of the NSCDC Commandant-General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, to supporting the policy objectives of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, particularly in the fight against illegal mining and efforts to protect the nation’s mineral wealth.
Speaking on the operations, the Commander of the Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) Attah John Onoja, said surveillance and enforcement activities would be sustained across the country, stressing that mining operators must conduct their activities strictly within the provisions of the law.
Onoja emphasised that operators must possess valid mining licences and meet all relevant regulatory and operational requirements before commencing activities.
He further explained that regular monitoring and inspection of mining sites remained essential to identifying violations, enforcing safety standards and preventing avoidable incidents, including mine collapses and other operational hazards that endanger workers and host communities.
The Mining Marshals urged stakeholders in the solid minerals industry to embrace lawful and responsible mining practices, warning that operators found violating established regulations would face appropriate enforcement measures.
The Corps reaffirmed its resolve to strengthen surveillance, protect Nigeria’s mineral resources and promote a transparent, accountable and safer mining environment capable of attracting legitimate investments and supporting the development of the solid minerals sector.
