FG partners United Nations to combat mineral terrorism

The Federal Government and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) have launched a partnership to strengthen Nigeria’s response to criminal and terrorist finance related to minerals.

The project, funded by the Canadian Government, aims to enhance the capacity of criminal justice actors in detecting, investigating and prosecuting illicit financial flows associated with conflict financing and money laundering in the solid minerals sector.

A statement from the Ministry stated that the partnership seeks to strengthen the capacity of criminal justice actors in detecting and investigating illicit financial flows, prosecute individuals and groups involved in conflict financing and money laundering in the solid minerals sector and combat illegal mining and other crimes funded by proceeds of illicit mining of natural resources.

Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, highlighted the establishment of the Mining Marshals, a security outfit created to combat illegal mining.

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The minister noted that the marshals have been effective in arresting and prosecuting illegal miners, sending a strong message that illegal mining would no longer be tolerated.

He stated that Nigeria’s President had approved a new satellite monitoring system for mines to further curb malpractices and enable security operatives to identify and respond to incidents quickly. This development is expected to enhance the Government’s efforts to combat illegal mining and promote responsible mining practices.

Responding, Tom Parker, theh UNODC’s Project Co-ordinator on counter-terrorism, praised the minister for the establishment of the Mining Marshals and expressed the Agency’s commitment to working with the Ministry to implement the project.

The Canadian Government’s funding of the project demonstrates international support for Nigeria’s efforts to combat mineral terrorism and promote sustainable development in the solid minerals sector.