The Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC) on Monday, October 27, 2025, held its Weekly Subject Experts Session at Hall C, TY Buratai Block, Abuja. The session featured two insightful presentations that explored key policy and security issues affecting mining control and railway reforms.

The first presentation, titled “Mining Operations under State Control,” was delivered by Brigadier General S. O. Oloyede (Retired), mni, Subject Expert on West Africa and the Gulf of Guinea. He examined the implications of state involvement in mining operations, referencing a recent GlobalData (2025) report that Barrick Gold’s Loulo Gounkoto mine in Mali resumed operations after a nine-month suspension following disputes with the country’s military led government. The disagreement reportedly stemmed from back tax claims and new mining laws introduced in 2023.

General Oloyede observed that the state takeover of foreign owned mines could discourage future foreign investment due to heightened political and regulatory risks. He cautioned that while Nigeria’s Federal Government seeks greater oversight of strategic mineral assets, it should avoid direct state management of privately or foreign owned mines.

He further noted that Nigeria’s ongoing mining sector reforms, including the creation of the Mineral Resources Decision Support System and the restructuring of the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, are designed to attract foreign investment and boost the sector’s contribution to national GDP. He concluded by making key recommendations to the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development to strengthen efficiency, transparency, and investor confidence in the industry.

The second presentation, delivered by Brigadier General L. D. Buba, mni, Subject Expert on Eastern Europe and Russia, focused on “Railway Transport Reform in Belarus.” He highlighted that on October 22, 2025, the Government of Belarus submitted a bill to its House of Representatives to amend railway transport laws. The bill proposes transferring certain security functions from the Belarusian Railways to the Ministry of Internal Affairs Security Department and introduces new licensing, medical, and certification requirements for railway operators.

According to General Buba, the reform seeks to integrate security management and operational efficiency across the Belarusian transport system. Drawing parallels to Nigeria, he observed that the country’s expanding railway network, including the Lagos Ibadan, Abuja Kaduna, and Itakpe Warri lines, continues to face serious security challenges such as banditry, vandalism, and kidnapping.

He noted that Nigeria’s railway security structure remains fragmented among multiple agencies, including the Nigerian Railway Corporation, the Nigeria Police Force Railway Command, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and military units in volatile areas. This fragmentation, he warned, leads to weak coordination, delayed responses, and reduced operational effectiveness.

General Buba concluded by offering extensive recommendations aimed at improving coordination, intelligence sharing, and rapid response mechanisms to strengthen the safety and resilience of Nigeria’s railway transportation system.