NEC has raised concern over widespread illegal mining and theft of Nigeria’s solid minerals, extending the oil theft committee’s mandate to cover the sector.
The National Economic Council has expressed concern over the large-scale illegal mining and theft of Nigeria’s solid minerals, warning that proceeds from the activities are not remitted to the national treasury.
Briefing journalists after Thursday’s NEC meeting chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma said the Council extended the mandate of the Committee on Crude Oil Theft and Pipeline Vandalisation to include the solid minerals sector.
“Our solid minerals are being mined and stolen without contributing to national revenue,” Uzodimma said. “NEC has now directed our committee to work with relevant agencies to ensure that the country’s solid minerals — such as gold and other valuable resources — are properly accounted for.”
Uzodimma also reported that crude oil production had risen to over 1.7 million barrels per day due to improved collaboration between the NNPCL, the Navy, and security agencies.