Stakeholders in Nigeria's mining sector have emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among government institutions, security agencies, private-sector operators, and host communities to address emerging security threats. This call was made at the 8th edition of the Lagos PR Clinic, organized by Halogen Security in collaboration with the Lagos State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The engagement brought together representatives from various sectors to examine security challenges affecting the industry.
The discussions focused on criminal activities, illegal mining, and vandalism, as well as the shared responsibilities of public institutions, security providers, businesses, and communities in safeguarding mining assets and operations. Participants stressed the need for improved coordination, intelligence sharing, capacity building, and public-private partnerships to strengthen the protection of Nigeria's mineral resources. The event featured a lead presentation by ACC Onoja John Attah, Commander, NSCDC Mining Marshals.
The Lagos State Commandant of the NSCDC, Mr. Adedotun Keshinro, fnarc, noted that mining security should no longer be viewed solely from the perspective of protecting individual mining sites. He emphasized that the security of the sector also affects host communities, economic assets, environmental interests, and government revenue. Keshinro called for greater coordination among security agencies, government institutions, private-sector operators, and communities to combat illegal mining and other security challenges.
The Executive Director, Operations & Services, Halogen, Bosun Sosanya, stressed the need for closer cooperation between public security agencies and private security providers in addressing increasingly complex security threats. He highlighted the importance of joint training, intelligence sharing, and capacity building to deliver stronger security outcomes. Sosanya noted that private security providers can work alongside public security institutions as force multipliers to strengthen capacity and drive greater impact.
Other contributors to the discussion included Femi Kayode, Chairman, ASIS; Charles Keku, Managing Director, Pahek Security Services; Franklin Okpara, Chief Security Officer, Unilever; Engr. Silas S. G., Officer in Charge, Federal Mines and Steel Development, Lagos; and Professor Adedeji Oyenuga, Professor of Criminology, Department of Sociology, Lagos State University. The panel examined practical measures for improving intelligence sharing, community engagement, safety, and accountability.
The stakeholders noted that effective collaboration among relevant institutions and communities could enhance coordinated responses to security threats and support the responsible development of Nigeria's mineral resources. The engagement underscored Halogen's position that collaborative security can contribute to stronger institutions, more resilient communities, and a more sustainable mining sector. The event aimed to promote a paradigm shift towards collaborative security in the mining sector.
The 8th edition of the Lagos PR Clinic was organized by Halogen Security in collaboration with the Lagos State Command of the NSCDC, with the theme "Collaborative Security as a Paradigm for Mining Security." The event brought together stakeholders from government, security agencies, the private sector, academia, and the mining industry to address emerging security threats and promote collaborative security solutions.
Key points
- - Stakeholders call for stronger collaboration to address illegal mining and emerging security threats in Nigeria's mining sector. - Improved coordination, intelligence sharing, and public-private partnerships are necessary to strengthen the protection of Nigeria's mineral resources. - Collaborative security can contribute to stronger institutions, more resilient communities, and a more sustainable mining sector.
