Odita Sunday 
By Odita Sunday
The Commander of the Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant Attah John Onoja, has called for a stronger national commitment to protecting Nigeria’s mineral resources, warning that illegal mining poses both an economic and security threat to the country.
Onoja made the call at the 4th Nigerian Nation Builders Annual Conference in Abuja, where he urged government institutions, security agencies and other stakeholders to embrace resource nationalism as part of efforts to safeguard the country’s economic future.
He said Nigeria could no longer afford to allow its vast solid mineral deposits to be exploited illegally, stressing that the sector has significant potential to support economic diversification, industrial development and job creation.
According to him, illegal mining does more than deprive government of revenue, as it also creates an environment that can encourage criminal activities, undermine legitimate investors and threaten the security of mining communities.
Onoja disclosed that the Mining Marshals had so far restored more than 100 mining sites to their legitimate owners and made about 700 arrests in connection with illegal mining activities.
He added that several cases had been taken before the Federal High Court as part of efforts to strengthen enforcement and sanitise the mining sector.
The Mining Marshals commander said the unit was established to protect legitimate mining operations, secure mining communities and create a safer environment for responsible investment in the sector.
He also called for stronger regulation and formalisation of artisanal mining, as well as greater transparency and local processing of mineral resources.
Onoja said Nigeria needed to move beyond the export of raw minerals by developing industries capable of adding value to its mineral resources and creating jobs and economic opportunities within the country.
He noted that the presence of mineral deposits across the country’s geopolitical zones could help stimulate local economies and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on crude oil revenue if properly managed.
He said the country’s mineral resources should be developed in a way that prioritises national interest, economic security and the welfare of host communities.
Onoja commended the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, for what he described as his leadership in strengthening the Corps’ capacity to protect critical national assets and respond to emerging threats in the extractive sector.
He said the Mining Marshals represented part of the Corps’ efforts to protect Nigeria’s strategic resources and strengthen economic security.
Also speaking at the conference, Rear Admiral Olusanya Bankole, retired, who represented the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, retired, commended Onoja and the Mining Marshals for their efforts in tackling illegal mining.
Bankole praised the commander’s commitment to national service and acknowledged the unit’s operational efforts to protect legitimate mining interests and support measures aimed at restoring investor confidence in the sector.
Onoja subsequently urged government agencies, security organisations, the legislature, judiciary, traditional institutions, host communities and investors to work together in protecting the country’s mineral resources.
He said the value of Nigeria’s mineral wealth should ultimately be measured by its ability to generate employment, strengthen local industries, improve livelihoods and contribute to sustainable economic development.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Mining Marshals to tackling illegal exploitation and protecting the country’s mineral assets for future generations.
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