Mining Marshals urge miners to obtain valid licences

he Commander of the Mining Marshals, ACC Attah John Onoja, (2nd left) with some other officers. Photo: Mining Marshals.

The Mining Marshals of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps have urged mining operators across the country to obtain valid licences and comply with safety regulations or risk enforcement action.

The Corps said the warning followed intensified enforcement operations across mining sites nationwide to curb illegal mining, protect mineral resources and ensure strict adherence to mining laws.

The Commander of the Mining Marshals, ACC Attah John Onoja, gave the warning in a statement released on Tuesday while speaking on the ongoing enforcement operations, including a recent exercise in Nasarawa State.

Onoja stated that the operation was conducted in collaboration with the Federal Mines Officer and the team responsible for mining regulation in the state.

He added that the enforcement activities would continue across the country without a predetermined sequence, stressing that operators must conduct their activities within the confines of the law.

He said, “All mining operators must possess valid licences and fulfil the requisite regulatory and operational conditions before commencing mining activities.”

The commander also called for regular monitoring and inspection of mining sites to ensure compliance with established safety standards.

According to him, “Adherence to these requirements is critical to preventing avoidable fatalities, reducing incidents of mine collapse and other operational hazards, and protecting both workers and host communities.”

He warned that violations of applicable mining laws and regulations would attract appropriate enforcement action, urging stakeholders to prioritise lawful and responsible mining practices.

“The sustained enforcement drive is part of the strategic commitment of the NSCDC Commandant-General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, to supporting the policy objectives of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake.

“The objectives include curbing illegal mining, plugging revenue leakages, promoting safe mining practices and strengthening investor confidence in the solid minerals sector,” he stated.

Onoja reaffirmed its marshals’ commitment to protecting Nigeria’s mineral resources, strengthening regulatory compliance and promoting a safer, more transparent and investment-friendly mining industry.