The Commander of the Mining Marshals, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Assistant Commandant Attah John Onoja, has advocated for a new wave of resource nationalism and strategic exploitation of Nigeria's vast solid mineral resources. This, he believes, can catalyze economic growth, national security, and sustainable development. Onoja made the call at the 4th Nigerian Nation Builders Annual Conference in Abuja.
Nigeria is endowed with over 44 commercially viable minerals across more than 500 locations nationwide. However, the sector has historically contributed only a marginal percentage to the nation's Gross Domestic Product. Onoja attributed this to poor regulation, illegal mining, and an overreliance on crude oil. He noted that the country's abundant mineral wealth holds the key to unlocking economic sovereignty and reducing dependence on oil revenues.
Illegal mining is one of the greatest threats to national development, according to Onoja. The menace fuels banditry, terrorism, money laundering, and massive revenue losses to the country. Meaningful nation building cannot occur when strategic national assets are continuously exploited by criminal networks operating outside the law. The Mining Marshals commander emphasized that solid minerals represent a unique opportunity for economic diversification.
Onoja disclosed that security operations in the sector have significantly disrupted illegal mining activities and restored confidence among legitimate investors. The Mining Marshals have restored over 100 mining sites to their rightful owners and carried out approximately 700 arrests linked to illegal mining operations. Several prosecutions are already before the Federal High Court.
The Mining Marshals were conceived not merely as an enforcement outfit but as a strategic institution designed to protect legitimate title holders, secure mining communities, and create a conducive environment for investment in the sector. Onoja highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at formalizing artisanal mining, promoting value addition, improving data transparency, and ensuring that host communities derive tangible benefits from mining activities.
Onoja advocated for "Strategic Resource Nationalism," urging Nigeria to emulate countries such as Japan, China, and India that transformed their economies by prioritizing national interests in the management of strategic resources. He stressed that mineral resources should no longer be viewed merely as commodities for export but as instruments for industrialization, technological advancement, and national prosperity.
The conference also witnessed glowing tributes to the Mining Marshals commander for his contributions to the protection of Nigeria's mineral assets and the sanitization of the mining sector. The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, commended Onoja's courage, professionalism, and unwavering patriotism in service to the nation. Onoja concluded by urging stakeholders to support efforts aimed at protecting the nation's mineral resources.
Key points
- The Mining Marshals have restored over 100 mining sites to their rightful owners and carried out approximately 700 arrests linked to illegal mining operations.
- Onoja advocated for "Strategic Resource Nationalism," urging Nigeria to prioritize national interests in the management of strategic resources.
- Nigeria is endowed with over 44 commercially viable minerals across more than 500 locations nationwide.
