Dr. A.T. Ogunkanmi

solid minerals sector holds immense potential for economic transformation, revenue generation, industrial development, and job creation. However, the realization of these benefits depends largely on the provision of sustainable and effective security across mining locations nationwide. The need to secure the mining sector has become both expedient and imperative in order to combat illegal mining, revenue losses, arms proliferation, environmental degradation, lawlessness, and the arbitrary displacement of host communities.

Historically, solid minerals played a significant role in Nigeria’s economy. Before the dominance of crude oil, minerals such as tin, coal, columbite, limestone, gold, kaolin, iron ore, bauxite, uranium, and, more recently, lithium, contributed substantially to national revenue and foreign exchange earnings. Tin, in particular, was once one of Nigeria’s leading foreign exchange earners, second only to crude oil. However, the sector’s contribution to total foreign earnings declined sharply from about 60 per cent in 1950 to approximately 7.5 per cent by 1974.

The indigenisation policy of the 1970s transferred a substantial portion of mining operations to Nigerian investors. While the policy sought to increase local participation, many of the new operators lacked the financial resources, technical expertise, and managerial capacity required to sustain large-scale mining activities. Consequently, many abandoned the sector in favour of the booming petroleum industry, which offered quicker and more lucrative returns. As government attention shifted overwhelmingly to oil, the solid minerals sector suffered years of neglect.

Nature abhors a vacuum. The decline in formal mining activities created opportunities for illegal operators to infiltrate the sector. Over the years, illegal miners established extensive networks and, in many cases, developed the capacity to challenge government authority. Today, illegal mining has evolved into a major national security concern, fuelled by sophisticated criminal networks, illicit arms possession, and the exploitation of mineral-rich communities.

The recent volatility in global oil prices, coupled with the rising value of strategic minerals such as gold, lithium, uranium, and rare earth elements, has renewed government interest in the sector. This renewed focus is aimed at diversifying the economy, reducing dependence on oil revenues, and unlocking the vast potential of Nigeria’s mineral resources. However, effective regulation and protection of mining activities remain impossible without a robust security framework.

The economic contributions of the solid minerals sector are enormous. The sector generates revenue for government, supports infrastructural development, creates employment opportunities for millions of Nigerians, stimulates economic growth, attracts foreign direct investment, encourages technology transfer, and promotes industrialization. Furthermore, local processing and value addition to mineral resources can reduce the export of raw materials and increase the value of Nigerian exports in international markets.

Securing mining sites across the country is therefore essential. Effective security measures help protect national wealth, curb revenue leakages arising from illegal mining, enhance government earnings, build investor confidence, protect host communities, promote corporate social responsibility among mining companies, unlock untapped mineral deposits, and strengthen the enforcement capabilities of the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development.

In this regard, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has played a pivotal role. The protection of critical national assets and infrastructure remains one of the Corps’ statutory mandates. To address the growing threat of illegal mining, the NSCDC established the Mining Marshals, a specialized unit trained and equipped to combat illegal mining activities and safeguard legitimate operators. Their operations have significantly improved compliance and enforcement within the sector.

Nevertheless, the effectiveness of the Mining Marshals depends heavily on the welfare and operational readiness of personnel. Officers and men deployed to mining environments face enormous risks and are often targeted by wealthy illegal mining syndicates seeking to compromise enforcement efforts. To maintain professionalism and integrity, government must provide improved welfare packages, better working conditions, enhanced logistics support, regular training and capacity development, adequate arms and ammunition, patrol vehicles, and modern communication equipment.

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) also has an important role to play in securing the solid minerals sector. The Service’s intelligence-gathering capabilities and border management responsibilities make it a strategic partner in addressing illegal mining activities involving foreign nationals. Over the years, the NIS Rapid Response Squad has distinguished itself in joint security operations and specialized assignments both within and outside the country. Members of the squad receive local and international training, enhancing their operational effectiveness.

Numerous cases have revealed the involvement of foreign nationals in illegal mining operations across Nigeria. Many of these individuals operate outside approved immigration regulations. Given that officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service routinely inspect facilities and monitor the activities of expatriates and foreign-owned enterprises, they possess valuable intelligence that can support enforcement operations in the mining sector. Stronger collaboration and intelligence-sharing between the NSCDC and the NIS would significantly improve the security of mining sites and quarries nationwide.

To strengthen the role of the Nigeria Immigration Service in this regard, government should consider increasing the Service’s manpower, improving staff welfare, providing additional funding, supplying more patrol vehicles and surveillance equipment, and enhancing allowances for personnel engaged in specialized operations.

The future of Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda is closely tied to the success of the solid minerals sector. Consequently, the Federal Government must take decisive steps to rescue the industry from the grip of illegal miners and criminal syndicates. Sustainable security remains the cornerstone upon which the sector’s long-term prosperity depends.

While the NSCDC Mining Marshals have demonstrated remarkable commitment and resilience, the magnitude of the challenge requires a broader multi-agency approach. The fight against illegal mining should involve stronger collaboration among the NSCDC, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Police Force, Armed Forces, intelligence agencies, and relevant regulatory institutions. Government must not wait until existing security structures become overwhelmed before taking proactive measures. A coordinated national response is essential to protect Nigeria’s mineral wealth and secure the future of one of the country’s most promising economic sectors.

A.T. Ogunkanmi, PhD, FCIA, MNIM, PCC
Visiting Lecturer in Marketing and Management
Editorial Member, International Journal of Business Administration