Get Guardian on GoogleThe Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has intensified enforcement activities in the solid minerals sector, with its Mining Marshals conducting fresh compliance inspections in Nasarawa State as part of a nationwide effort to tackle illegal mining and unsafe operations.
The exercise, carried out in collaboration with the Federal Mines Officer and state-based mining regulatory officials, focused on assessing operators’ compliance with licensing requirements, operational guidelines and safety standards.
The Commander of the Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant of Corps Attah John Onoja, said enforcement operations would continue across the country, warning mining companies and individuals against operating without the necessary regulatory approvals.
Onoja said the inspections were intended to ensure that mineral extraction activities complied with applicable laws and that operators maintained adequate safety measures to protect workers and surrounding communities.
According to him, mining operators must obtain valid licences and satisfy the relevant regulatory conditions before commencing operations.
He stressed that compliance should not end with the issuance of a licence, noting that periodic monitoring and inspection were necessary to ensure that operators continued to meet established requirements.
The commander also warned that violations of mining laws and operational standards would attract enforcement action.
The latest inspection in Nasarawa formed part of the Mining Marshals’ continuing enforcement activities across mineral-producing areas.
The exercise involved officials responsible for mining regulation, reflecting efforts to coordinate security enforcement with the agencies overseeing mineral exploration and extraction.
Although the NSCDC did not disclose the number of sites inspected during the operation, it said the exercise was directed at identifying compliance gaps and ensuring that mining activities were conducted within the law.
The Corps also did not provide details of arrests, mine closures, confiscated equipment or other enforcement outcomes arising from the Nasarawa operation.
Nevertheless, the renewed inspections signal the agency’s intention to maintain oversight of mining activities, particularly where operators may be working without valid approvals or failing to observe safety requirements.
Nasarawa is among Nigeria’s mineral-producing states, making regulatory monitoring an important aspect of efforts to ensure that extraction activities are conducted lawfully.
Onoja said the enforcement campaign would continue without a predetermined sequence, indicating that operators in different parts of the country could face inspections as the exercise progresses.
He emphasised that possession of a valid mining licence was a fundamental requirement for lawful operations.
Beyond licensing, he said operators were expected to comply with applicable operational conditions and safety standards throughout the period of their activities.
The Mining Marshals also called on stakeholders in the sector to adopt responsible mining practices and cooperate with regulatory authorities.
The warning comes amid continuing concerns over illegal mineral extraction, regulatory breaches and the risks associated with poorly managed mining operations.
For enforcement authorities, the challenge extends beyond identifying unlicensed operators to ensuring that mining sites comply with conditions intended to protect workers, communities and the environment.
The commander identified mine collapses, preventable fatalities and other operational hazards as major concerns requiring sustained monitoring.
He said regular inspections were necessary to identify unsafe practices and reduce the risk of accidents at mining sites.
Mining operations can expose workers to hazards arising from unstable excavations, inadequate protective equipment, unsafe machinery and poorly managed working conditions.
Where safety measures are insufficient, such risks may also affect nearby communities.
Onoja maintained that adherence to regulatory requirements was essential to preventing avoidable incidents and protecting people working within the sector.
He urged operators to regard compliance as a continuing responsibility rather than a requirement to be fulfilled only when obtaining authorisation to begin mining.
The Corps said its activities were consistent with the policy direction of the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, headed by Dele Alake.
The ministry has placed emphasis on tackling illegal mining, improving regulatory compliance and strengthening the management of Nigeria’s mineral resources.
According to the NSCDC, the Mining Marshals’ operations are also intended to address revenue losses associated with unlawful extraction and support efforts to improve investor confidence in the sector.
The enforcement initiative is being undertaken under the leadership of the NSCDC Commandant-General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi.
The Corps said stronger compliance with mining regulations would help create a more transparent operating environment for legitimate investors and businesses.
However, the effectiveness of enforcement will depend partly on consistent inspections, coordination among responsible agencies and the application of appropriate sanctions where violations are established.
The Mining Marshals called on mining companies, licence holders and other stakeholders to ensure that their activities complied with applicable laws and operational requirements.
The Corps maintained that enforcement action would be taken against operators found to be in breach of relevant regulations.
It also reiterated the need for regular monitoring to prevent unsafe mining practices and protect Nigeria’s mineral resources.
NSCDC Mining Marshals have intensified inspections in Nasarawa, warning operators against illegal mining and violations of licensing and safety regulations.
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