NEC has expanded its oil theft probe to include illegal mining after warning that Nigeria’s solid minerals are being stolen without benefiting national revenue.
The National Economic Council (NEC) has raised concern over widespread illegal mining and theft of Nigeria’s solid minerals, including gold, warning that proceeds are being diverted without remittance to the national treasury.
Following a presentation by the Committee on Crude Oil Theft, chaired by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, the Council extended the committee’s mandate to investigate illegal mining in the solid minerals sector.
“Our solid minerals are being mined and stolen without contributing to national revenue,” Uzodimma said while briefing journalists after Thursday’s NEC meeting chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He added that the expanded committee will collaborate with security agencies, regulators, and state governments to enhance monitoring and accountability in extractive industries. Uzodimma also noted that crude oil production has risen to 1.7 million barrels per day due to improved security coordination.