Reps Vow to Recover $9 Billion Lost Annually to Illegal Mining in Nigeria

Reps Vow to Recover $9 Billion Lost Annually to Illegal Mining in Nigeria

The House of Representatives has pledged to recover the estimated $9 billionbNigeria loses each year to illegal mining, describing the menace as a major threat to national revenue, security and the environment.

Chairman of the House Ad-hoc Committee on Illegal Mining, Sanni Abdulraheem, made the declaration during the committee’s inaugural meeting on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, in Abuja.

Abdulraheem expressed worry over the growing rate of illicit mining, noting that the practice undermines the nation’s economy and contributes to criminal activities across various regions.

He explained that the committee’s mandate is to develop strategies that will curb revenue leakages and promote transparency in the mining sector, ensuring that Nigeria’s mineral wealth benefits its citizens.

He said, “It is estimated that Nigeria loses approximately $9 billion annually due to illegal mining activities. This theft of our resources that should be enriching our nation has gone on for far too long, and it is time to put an end to it.”

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“As we move forward, one of the core objectives of this Committee is to block the revenue leakages caused by illegal mining and its associated activities, which not only steal from our national treasury but also hinder the growth of legitimate mining operations that could contribute substantially to our national Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).”

“Through structured oversight, we will strengthen Revenue Tracking Mechanisms and ensure that the full benefits of Nigeria’s mining sector flow directly into government coffers, rather than being siphoned off through illegal mining activities.

“Equally important is the issue of the criminality and environmental degradation linked to illegal mining. These activities not only fuel insecurity, but they also lead to the pollution of our waterways, the degradation of our forests and the displacement of vulnerable communities.”

The committee is expected to submit recommendations aimed at ensuring accountability, promoting responsible mining practices, and harnessing the country’s mineral potential for national development.