The recent death of 37 artisanal miners in the custody of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State has raised concerns over state negligence and the issue of illegal mining. The miners, mostly between ages 14-18, were reportedly engaged in illegal mining activities. According to section 44(3) of the 1999 constitution (as amended), the federal government has exclusive control over minerals, mineral oils, and natural gas in Nigeria.
The federal government also has control over security agencies, including the NSCDC. Illegal mining has become a significant challenge in afflicted states like Niger State. Unless the federal and state governments take action, the issue will continue to affect Nigerian children. The NSCDC and political leaders have been accused of negligence leading to the death of the children.
The issue of illegal mining has become an albatross on the neck of afflicted states, and it will continue to affect Nigerian children unless the federal and state governments take action. The military and political elites allegedly benefit from the conundrum, and the children of the poor will continue to be affected. Foreign criminals supply arms and resources to bandits that displace villagers, aiding illegal mining.
Displaced villagers who have no other means of livelihood get sucked into illegal mining to survive. While they die seeking precious metals, foreign criminals and local collaborators dig deep for the haul. The small illegal miners sell what they dig up to agents of those criminals at a low price.
The NSCDC officials involved in the alleged state murder of the miners have been detained for questioning. An investigation has been ordered by the president, and any officials found culpable will face administrative and criminal trials. The country needs to know what fuels illegal mining activities in Niger and other states and what authorities can do to stop it.
Niger State governor, Umaru Bago, has quoted UNICEF, stating that by 2027, there will not be a single child in Grade 7 due to artisanal mining. The state should provide an enabling environment for youths to embrace farming as a safer alternative to illegal mining. The local governments should operate a smaller scale of what the state will be doing to address the issue.
The crisis of illegal mining should be a reason for states afflicted by the challenge to pass the state police bill. A state like Niger should be interested in having its own police to primarily tackle the crisis associated with illegal mining. The families of those killed should seek legal advice to know whether they have grounds to seek damages for the breach of the fundamental rights of the deceased persons by the NSCDC.
Key points
- The death of 37 artisanal miners in NSCDC custody sparks nationwide concern over state negligence and illegal mining.
- The federal government has exclusive control over minerals, mineral oils, and natural gas in Nigeria.
- The country needs to know what fuels illegal mining activities in Niger and other states and what authorities can do to stop it.
