By Akindele Orimolade
The spotlight fell on Nigeria’s troubled mining sector on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, as the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) held a media parley in Abuja with the theme: “Sustaining the Fight Against Illegal Mining: Role of the Media.”
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The event drew heavyweight participants, including FCT Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ajao Saka Adewale; Commander of Mining Marshals, ACC Attah John Onoja; and National President of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Mr. Dele Ayanleke.
ACC Onoja, who leads the Mining Marshals, described illegal mining as a “monster” bleeding Nigeria of billions, devastating farmlands, and fuelling community conflicts. He emphasized that enforcement agencies cannot win the war alone.
“The fight against illegal mining cannot be won by enforcement agencies alone. It requires a coalition of government, industry players, communities, and, most importantly, the media,” Onoja declared.
He lauded the federal government’s creation of the Mining Marshals under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Minister of Solid Minerals Dr. Dele Alake, and NSCDC Commandant-General Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi. He stressed that the unit operates with strong legal backing and a strict code of conduct.
On his part, CP Adewale described illegal mining as “more than theft,” linking it to banditry, kidnappings, and Nigeria’s annual loss of up to $9 billion, according to NEITI.
“Illegal mining is not just an economic crime; it fuels insecurity, degrades the environment, undermines lawful investment, and robs Nigeria of vital resources,” he warned.
He cited hotspots such as Zamfara (gold), Nasarawa (lithium), and even parts of the FCT—including Gwagwalada, Asokoro, Katampe, and Kuje—where arrests have been made. He further urged journalists to investigate money trails, expose financiers hiding behind powerful networks, and help enlighten the public.
Mr. Ayanleke of the Miners Association highlighted how illegal operators exploit child labour, use dangerous chemicals, and violate environmental laws. He called on journalists to deepen their understanding of mining regulations and spotlight the dangers of unregulated practices, citing the lead poisoning crisis in Zamfara and lithium mining in Nasarawa as cautionary tales.
NUJ FCT Council Chairperson, Ms. Grace Ike, opened the parley with a charge to the press:
“As gatekeepers of truth, our duty goes beyond mere reportage. We must investigate, expose, and educate the public on the devastating effects of illegal mining.”
She pledged that the NUJ would continue amplifying community voices and leveraging digital tools to spread facts, noting that the media is not just a chronicler of events but a catalyst for change.
