Some Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) say there is a need for strong political will to tackle illegal mining in Nigeria.

In an interview with journalists on Sunday in Abuja, the CSOs warned that illegal mining would persist if the political will to address it remains weak.

They noted that even though the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act of 2007 prohibits unauthorised exploration or exploitation of mineral resources, political will was needed to fully implement it.

The executive director of Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI), Philip Jakpor, said that to address the malaise, the government must be committed to enforcing compliance with the Mining Act.

”There are clear provisions in Nigeria’s Mining Act that prescribe how to address illegal mining in the country. The real issue, however, is the political will to enforce the laws from state to federal levels.

”As was revealed recently by Senator Adams Oshiomole, the illegality in the sector thrives because of the alleged big men behind it.

”He had alleged that retired military officers are involved. We might also want to expand that to include traditional rulers and other unpatriotic elements in government and the communities where mining activities occur.

”Of recent, some Chinese nationals have also been implicated in the thriving illegal business,” he said.

According to Mr Jakpor, such acts cannot be carried out without collaborators in government who benefit and turn a blind eye to them.

He said the suspects should be named and arrested to deter others, promote sector growth, and ensure mining’s significant contribution to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Abdullahi Jabi, the chairman of the North-Central zone for the Campaign for Democracy, Human Rights Advocacy, and Civil Society of Nigeria, described illegal mining as a complex challenge.

Mr Jabi said this was a result of factors such as the negligence of constitutional duties by political leaders and public officeholders.

He expressed concern that the situation would continue to persist without the enforcement of a robust legal structure and the implementation of strict measures to hold perpetrators accountable.

Meanwhile, at the recent North East African Mineral Summit and Exhibition, an expert, Bashir Aliyu, noted that illegal miners, including undocumented immigrants, were extracting mineral resources without licences or adherence to regulations.

Mr Aliyu said the unregulated activity was depriving the government of revenue, damaging the environment, and endangering local communities.

He urged stricter regulations and increased community involvement to safeguard mineral resources and combat illegal mining.

(NAN)