On Thursday, President Bola Tinubu directed Nigeria’s security agencies to intensify their efforts in cracking down on illegal mining activities across the country.
He emphasized the urgency of addressing the presence of “scavengers and exploiters” in the nation’s mining sector, stating that these activities must be swiftly halted by security forces.
President Tinubu made these remarks while receiving a presentation titled “Harnessing the Mining Industry for Enhanced National Security and Development: Strategic Options for Nigeria by 2035” from participants of Course 32 at the National Defence College (NDC) in Abuja.
The presentation, delivered by Colonel Olajide Bello on behalf of the delegation, focused on the mining industry’s potential to contribute to national security and economic development.
Commending the participants for their research and intellectual contribution, Tinubu reiterated the importance of diversifying Nigeria’s economy, a priority of his administration.
“I have listened carefully to your presentation on the theme. Aside from your knowledge of war and security, I could see the intellectual depth of the work done to help the nation, and I must say thank you to all of you,” the President said.
He continued, “We have challenges of scavengers and exploiters around the country. We must nip that in the bud, and you military officers understand this better than the civil society. We expect that through your command, we will have more resources that we need to make sure we have a stable economic environment.”
In addition to addressing the security concerns surrounding illegal mining, President Tinubu emphasized the need for companies engaged in mineral exploration to prioritize the health and safety of Nigerians and the host communities. During an interactive session, he expressed concern for the well-being of those living near mining areas and underscored the necessity of providing medical facilities and other essential services to protect their health and property.
“We must pay attention to that at the outset by providing medical centres and other facilities that will protect the lives, property, and health of Nigerians,” he stated.
Rear Admiral Olumuyiwa Olotu, the Commandant of the National Defence College, praised the institution’s progress and highlighted its role in contributing to national security through in-depth research and strategic studies.
Established in 1992, the NDC has graduated 2,871 participants, including military and civilian personnel from Nigeria and 30 other countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America.
Despite the institution’s achievements, Rear Admiral Olotu appealed to President Tinubu for assistance in completing the college’s permanent headquarters in Abuja, which has been under construction since 2010.
He acknowledged the President’s support in recent infrastructural upgrades but noted that the college continues to operate from a temporary facility in the Central Business District.
The NDC, recognized as the ECOWAS Centre of Excellence for Peace Support Operations at the strategic level, continues to play a vital role in addressing factors that impact national security and development.
The 111 participants of Course 32, drawn from various branches of the Nigerian military, police, and government agencies, alongside international participants, are expected to contribute significantly to national and regional security initiatives.