Reps Summon Solid Minerals Minister, Cadastre DG Over Nationwide Illegal Mining Allegations

The House of Representatives Committee on Mineral Exploitation, Security and Anti-Money Laundering has summoned the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Dele Alake, and the Director-General of the Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office, Obadiah Nkom, following rising allegations of illegal mining across the country.

The committee chairman, Sanni Abdulraheem, issued the directive during its resumed session on Wednesday, noting that both the ministry and the Mining Cadastre Office had shown inadequate cooperation despite the committee’s cordial approach.

According to Abdulraheem, the summoned officials are expected to appear before the Committee on designated dates, alongside representatives from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and other anti-corruption bodies. As part of its investigation, the committee will embark on visits to key government agencies, conduct on-site inspections of mining locations, and consult selected stakeholders before presenting its report to the House.

Speaker Tajudeen Abbas had earlier tasked the committee with probing the extent, patterns, actors, and methods of illegal mineral exploitation nationwide to uncover the causes, consequences, and associated revenue losses.

Abdulraheem explained that the inquiry will assess the roles and effectiveness of security agencies deployed to mining areas, including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and Mining Marshals, to determine their capacity to safeguard mining sites and national assets.

The probe also aims to examine the security risks linked to illegal mining, such as ties to organised crime, communal conflicts, environmental damage, and broader threats to national stability. Additionally, the committee will review existing laws governing mineral exploitation, identify gaps, and recommend amendments or new legislation.

A major focus of the investigation is the financial flows tied to illegal mineral extraction, including methods used to hide or launder proceeds and the individuals or networks facilitating such activities. Abdulraheem said the committee will engage a wide range of agencies—including the Ministries of Solid Minerals and Mines and Steel Development, the NFIU, EFCC, state governments, security agencies, traditional institutions, and licensed operators—to obtain data, documents, and expert submissions.

The committee will also evaluate anti-money laundering measures in the sector, propose stronger oversight systems, and recommend strategies to curb revenue leakages, improve transparency, and ensure mineral resources contribute legitimately to national development.

Public hearings and stakeholder engagements will be held to promote openness and gather evidence. A comprehensive report detailing findings and recommendations for legislative, policy, administrative, and security reforms will be submitted to the House upon completion.