President Bola Tinubu instructed security forces on Thursday to step their efforts to crack down on unlicensed miners across the country.
The President declared that the security services needed to stop scavengers and exploiters as soon as possible because they are all over the nation.
Additionally, President Tinubu stated that his administration would make sure that the host communities’ and Nigerians’ health and safety come first in mineral exploration companies’ operations.
This was said by the President at a presentation given by National Defence College (NDC) Course 32 participants on Thursday in Abuja, with the topic “Harnessing the Mining Industry for Enhanced National Security and Development: Strategic Options for Nigeria by 2035.”
The Course 32 Participants were entrusted with researching current national challenges, and their findings during an 11-month period focused on the mining industry’s capacity to contribute to national security and development.
Responding to Colonel Olajide Bello’s presentation on behalf of the group, President Tinubu praised their efforts and emphasised the necessity of diversifying Nigeria’s economy. “I have carefully listened to your presentation on the theme.
“Aside from your understanding of war and security, I could see the intellectual depth of the effort you did to aid the country, and I want to thank everyone.
”I recognise the importance of economic diversification, and we have worked hard to achieve this. Your participation will also foster a deeper grasp of the concerns.
“We face issues from scavengers and exploiters around the country. We must stop that, and you military officers understand this better than civil society
”We expect that under your supervision, we will have more resources that we require to ensure a stable economic climate,” the President stated.
President Tinubu told the visitors that his administration would complete the NDC headquarters in Abuja.
During an interactive discussion on the health implications of exploration activities, the President expressed worry about the well-being of those who live near mining sites.
“We must pay attention to that from the beginning by providing medical centres and other facilities that will protect the lives, property, and health of Nigerians.” President Tinubu said.
Rear Admiral Olumuyiwa Olotu, Commandant, NDC, stated in his speech that 2,871 participants have graduated from the college since it was founded as the National War College in 1992.
He said that the college has had students from Bangladesh, Brazil, France, Germany, India, Nepal, and Pakistan in addition to thirty African nations.
According to Rear Admiral Olotu, the college has undertaken unparalleled infrastructural upgrades thanks to the President’s generosity, enabling it to compete favourably with all other defence colleges worldwide.
But he pleaded with President Tinubu to help finish the college’s permanent site in Abuja, pointing out that the school has been operating out of a temporary location in the Central Business District since 2010 because the permanent site has not been completed.
The Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), and 19 foreign participants from Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America comprised the 111 participants of NDC Course 32.
The college conducts extensive research on all issues pertaining to development and national security. The Centre for Strategic Research and Studies, a research centre inside the college, has been designated as the strategic level ECOWAS training Centre of Excellence for Peace Support Operations.
Bottom Line
The President’s call to curb unlicensed mining activities addresses the significant challenges posed by illegal mining.
These activities often lead to environmental degradation, loss of government revenue, and security issues due to the involvement of criminal networks.
By instructing security forces to tackle these problems, the government aims to restore order and protect the nation’s natural resources.
Tinubu’s emphasis on diversifying Nigeria’s economy is crucial for reducing the country’s dependency on oil.
The mining sector has the potential to contribute significantly to economic growth if managed sustainably. By harnessing the mining industry’s potential, Nigeria can create jobs, attract foreign investment, and enhance its economic resilience.
