The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) has entered into a strategic partnership with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals to intensify the fight against illegal mining and enhance the value of Nigeria’s mineral resources.

The collaboration was formalized during a courtesy visit by the Commander of the Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) Attah John Onoja, who led his team to the RMRDC headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.

Speaking at the meeting, ACC Onoja explained that the Mining Marshals’ mission goes beyond securing mining sites. According to him, their mandate is to ensure that mineral extraction is carried out in line with national laws and in ways that contribute to sustainable economic growth. He emphasized that cooperation with RMRDC would be crucial in accessing data, leveraging technical expertise, and providing prosecutorial support against offenders.

“This visit is about synergy,” Onoja said. “For us to succeed in protecting Nigeria’s mineral wealth, we must work closely with research institutions like the Raw Materials Council. Only then can we ensure that illegal exploiters are brought to justice and that our solid minerals sector delivers its full value to the nation.”

In his response, the Director-General of RMRDC, Professor Nnanyelugo M. Ike-Muanso, commended the Mining Marshals for their discipline and dedication. He pledged that the Council would provide all necessary support to strengthen their operations.

“The Council is ready to assist with data sharing, joint training initiatives, laboratory analyses of minerals, and technical expertise where needed,” Ike-Muanso stated. “Security is a critical part of our mandate to add value to raw materials. By aligning our scientific work with on-ground realities, this partnership will deliver tangible results.”

Conveying a goodwill message from the NSCDC Commandant-General, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, Commander Onoja reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to protecting mineral mapping projects, particularly in high-risk areas where researchers and technical staff often face security threats.

The visit ended with an exchange of paraphernalia between the two organizations, symbolizing a renewed pledge to safeguard Nigeria’s mineral wealth.

Industry observers note that this partnership comes at a critical time, as illegal mining continues to rob Nigeria of revenue, fuel insecurity, and deter legitimate investment. Experts argue that the lack of coordination between research institutions and enforcement agencies has long undermined efforts to regulate the sector. By bridging that divide, the RMRDC-NSCDC alliance may finally provide the integrated, data-driven approach the industry has been missing.

Beyond the exchange of pleasantries, the message was unmistakable: tackling illegal mining will require more than boots on the ground. It demands a marriage of science and security, a union of data and discipline — an alignment that this partnership is now determined to deliver.

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