The House of Representatives Committee on Mineral Exploitation, Security and Anti-Money Laundering has summoned the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr Dele Alake and the Director-General of the Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office to appear before it.
Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Sanni Egidi Abdulraheem, gave the directive at the resumed meeting of the Committee on Wednesday.
The chairman lamented that “In spite of the friendly approach to some MDAs, particularly the two government organisations that are central to this exercise: the Ministry of Solid Minerals and the Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office, didn’t give much desired willingness to receive the committee.
“However, the committee has directed the Secretariat to write to the minister and DG of Nigeria Mining Cadastre to appear before it on a scheduled date for each of the two organisations, if possible with EFCC and other anti-graft agencies”.
He disclosed that the committee will as part of its work plan, pay working visits to all MDAs covered by its mandate; physically inspect all mineral exploitation centres; invite a number of selected MDAs and put its findings to report back to the House.
The lawmaker explained that the committee was mandated to among other things, “Conduct a comprehensive investigation into the scale, patterns, actors and modalities of illegal mineral exploitation across the Federation, with a view to identifying causes, consequences and extent of associated revenue.
“Examine the operational roles, effectiveness, and challenges of security agencies deployed to mineral-bearing areas-particularly the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Mining Marshals, and other relevant formations assess their capacity to secure mining sites and protect national assets.
“Investigate the security implications of illegal mining activities, including their links to organised crime, communal conflicts, environmental degradation, and threats to national stability.
“Undertake an appraisal of the legal and regulatory framework governing mineral exploitation in Nigeria, with a view to identifying gaps, overlaps and enforcement deficiencies and make recommendations for legislative amendments or new enactments where necessary.
“Probe the financial flows associated with illegal mineral extraction, including mechanisms through which proceeds are laundered, concealed or transferred and identify roles of individuals, networks and institutions in facilitating such illicit transactions.
“Interfere with relevant agencies, including the Ministry of Solid Minerals, Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Security Agencies, State governments, traditional institutions, and licenced mining operators obtain submissions, documents, data and expert opinions.
“Assess the adequacy of current Anti-Money Laundering measures within the solid minerals sector and recommend strengthened oversight mechanisms, compliance standards, and enforcement actions to curb illicit financial flows”.
