Pix: ACC Onoja

Nigeria’s mining sector once again came under sharp focus on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, as the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) convened a media parley in Abuja with the theme: “Sustaining the Fight Against Illegal Mining: Role of the Media.”

The gathering attracted key stakeholders, including the FCT Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ajao Saka Adewale; Commander of the Mining Marshals, ACC Attah John Onoja; and the National President of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Mr. Dele Ayanleke.

ACC Onoja described illegal mining as a “monster” draining Nigeria of billions of naira, ravaging farmlands, and fuelling community conflicts. He stressed that law enforcement cannot fight the menace in isolation.

“The fight against illegal mining cannot be won by enforcement agencies alone. It requires the collective efforts of government, industry players, communities, and most importantly, the media,” Onoja said.

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Minister of Solid Minerals Dr. Dele Alake, and NSCDC Commandant-General Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi for creating the Mining Marshals, noting that the unit operates under a strong legal framework and strict code of conduct.

On his part, CP Adewale warned that illegal mining is “more than theft,” pointing to its ties with banditry, kidnappings, and Nigeria’s annual revenue loss of about $9 billion as reported by NEITI. He identified hotspots in Zamfara (gold), Nasarawa (lithium), and parts of the FCT—including Gwagwalada, Asokoro, Katampe, and Kuje where several arrests have been made. He further urged journalists to trace money trails, expose financiers, and educate the public.

Mr. Ayanleke of the Miners Association raised concerns about child labour, use of toxic chemicals, and widespread violations of environmental laws by illegal operators. He called on journalists to deepen their knowledge of mining regulations and spotlight the dangers of unchecked practices, recalling incidents such as the Zamfara lead poisoning and the ongoing lithium rush in Nasarawa.

Earlier, NUJ FCT Council Chairperson, Ms. Grace Ike, set the tone by urging the media to go beyond simple reportage.

“As gatekeepers of truth, our responsibility is to investigate, expose, and educate Nigerians about the devastating effects of illegal mining,” she said.

She pledged that the NUJ would continue amplifying community voices and deploying digital platforms to spread factual information, emphasizing that the media is not merely a recorder of events but a driver of change.