Stop illicit mining, stakeholders warn as Nigeria loses N13.7trn

By Gabriel Ewepu
Nigeria is losing an estimated N13.7 trillion annually to illicit mining and illegal trade in solid minerals, stakeholders have warned, calling for stronger enforcement, regulation and monitoring of the sector.
The stakeholders said the continued exploitation and movement of valuable minerals outside the regulatory framework were depriving the government of revenue and exposing mining communities to environmental, security and economic risks.
They spoke against the backdrop of concerns over the implementation and enforcement of the Minerals and Mining Act, 2007, which prohibits the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources without lawful authority, valid lic...