NSCDC Warns Miners: Ignorance of Mining Laws Won’t Excuse Violations

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has warned mining operators across the country against violating existing laws and regulations, stressing that ignorance of the law will not protect offenders from prosecution. The warning was issued on Monday by the Commander of the NSCDC Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant of Corps John Attah, as the specialised unit intensifies enforcement operations against illegal mining activities nationwide. According to Attah, mining operators are expected to ensure that all their activities comply with the country’s regulatory framework. He cautioned those operating outside the law that they would face legal consequences. “Every operator must ensure that mining activities are conducted within the ambit of the law,” Attah stated, adding that those who deliberately disregard the regulations would face prosecution. The warning comes amid renewed efforts by the NSCDC Mining Marshals to sanitise Nigeria’s solid minerals sector. The enforcement teams, particularly those operating in the South-West, have intensified activities aimed at ensuring that mining operations are carried out legally and in accordance with regulatory requirements. Attah explained that the enforcement drive was not solely focused on stopping illegal mining. According to him, the operation is also intended to protect legitimate investors, improve government revenue and restore confidence in the mining industry. Illegal mining has remained a major challenge for Nigeria, with the activities of unlicensed operators linked to revenue losses, environmental degradation and the uncontrolled exploitation of the country’s mineral resources. Nigeria possesses significant deposits of minerals including gold, lithium, limestone, coal, bitumen and tin. However, the sector has continued to face challenges including weak compliance, insecurity and illegal exploitation, limiting its contribution to the national economy. The Federal Government has increasingly identified the solid minerals sector as an important part of its economic diversification strategy as it seeks to reduce the country’s dependence on crude oil. The NSCDC’s latest enforcement campaign is also in line with broader reforms by the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development aimed at strengthening regulation, attracting legitimate investment and curbing the activities of illegal operators. The Mining Marshals therefore urged operators to familiarise themselves with relevant laws and obtain the necessary approvals before commencing mining activities. The Corps maintained that stronger compliance would help ensure that Nigeria’s mineral resources are exploited safely and sustainably while generating greater economic benefits for the country.