Stakeholders Unite in Battle Against Illegal Mining at NUJ Workshop

In Abuja, key players from Nigeria’s mining world came together on 20 August 2025, vowing to join forces against the growing problem of illegal mining. The promise was made at a one-day workshop and discussion organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council.

The event, themed “Sustaining the Fight Against Illegal Mining: The Role of the Media”, brought together security chiefs, mining leaders, and journalists to share ideas on how to tackle this issue that harms the economy, environment, and communities.

The workshop highlighted a shared commitment to work hand-in-hand. Stakeholders, including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals, the police, other security groups, and the Miners Association of Nigeria, agreed that teamwork is key to stopping illegal miners who steal the nation’s resources.

Commander of the Mining Marshals, ACC A. J. Onoja, spoke passionately about the need for everyone to pitch in. He explained how illegal mining has cost Nigeria billions in lost money, ruined farmland, and stirred up trouble in communities. “The fight against illegal mining in Nigeria cannot be won by enforcement agencies alone, but through a broad coalition that includes the government, industry players, communities, and, most importantly, the media,” he said.

Onoja praised the government’s efforts under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Henry Dele Alake, Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Prof Ahmed Abubakar Audi, to clean up the sector by creating the Mining Marshals.

He stressed that this unit is no ordinary group—it’s backed by strong laws and a strict code of conduct to ensure fairness and toughness.

“We have dismantled illegal mining camps, arrested and prosecuted offenders, ensuring that the emerging policies of the Federal Government for the mining sector are working,” he added.

But he also warned of challenges like tough landscapes and attempts to blackmail them through the media. He urged journalists to report fairly: “When individuals under investigation run to the press to spin their self-serving sides of the story, alleging victimisation despite breaches of the law, we ask for balanced reportage that reflects the intricacy of our work.”

The police perspective came from the Commissioner of Police for FCT, CP Ajao Adewale, who described illegal mining as more than just theft—it’s a fuel for crime and chaos.

He pointed out how it leads to banditry, kidnappings, and huge financial losses, with Nigeria losing up to $9 billion a year according to the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI).

“Illegal mining is not just a mere economic crime; it is an act that fuels insecurity, degrades our environment, undermines lawful investment, and robs our nation of vital resources,” he said.

He highlighted hotspots like Zamfara for gold and Nasarawa for lithium, and even spots in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) such as Gwagwalada and Kuje, where arrests have been made. The commissioner noted that powerful people often hide behind these operations, using foreigners as fronts.

He called on journalists to help by sharing tips, investigating money trails, and educating people. “Together, through enforcement, intelligence, and enlightenment, we can protect our resources and secure a safer, more prosperous Nigeria,” he concluded.

Representing the miners, Mr Dele Ayanleke, National President of the Miners Association of Nigeria, broke down what illegal mining really means—from digging without permits to using dangerous chemicals or child labour.

He warned of the damage: lost government money, polluted water, ruined land, and community fights. “Illegal mining is a serious issue in Nigeria, affecting both the economy and the environment. The fight against it requires continuous effort, and the media plays a critical role in sustaining this battle,” he said.

Ayanleke urged the media to learn more about mining laws for better reporting and to keep the issue in the news. He gave examples like lead poisoning in Zamfara that hurt thousands of children and child labour in Nasarawa’s lithium mines.

“The media serves as a vital tool in educating the public about illegal mining, its implications, and the importance of adhering to legal mining practices,” he added, pushing for stories that promote safe, legal mining and community watchfulness.

Earlier, the NUJ FCT Council Chairman, Ms Grace Ike opened the event, stressing the media’s duty as “gatekeepers of truth”. She called illegal mining a threat to lives, the environment, and security, and said journalists must investigate and educate without bias.

“As gatekeepers of truth and agents of accountability, our duty as journalists goes beyond mere reportage. We must investigate, expose, and educate the public on the devastating effects of illegal mining,” she said.

She promised the NUJ would keep amplifying community voices and using digital tools to spread facts. “In conclusion, the role of the media in combating illegal mining in Nigeria cannot be overstated. We are not only chroniclers of events but catalysts for change,” she ended.

By the end of the day, the message was clear: no one can win this fight alone. Security forces, miners, and the media must collaborate to protect Nigeria’s treasures for future generations. The workshop ended with hopes for ongoing talks and real action against illegal mining.