NEC raises alarm over illegal mining, theft of gold

The National Economic Council (NEC) has raised an alarm over the extensive illegal mining and outright theft of Nigeria's solid mineral resources, including gold, reporting that the illicit proceeds are being siphoned out of the country without contributing to the national treasury.

In a direct response to this massive revenue leakage, the NEC, presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa, has expanded the mandate of the Committee on Crude Oil Theft and Pipeline Vandalisation.

This committee, chaired by Imo State Governor Senator Hope Uzodimma, is now tasked with actively investigating the organized illegal mining in the solid minerals sector as well.

Governor Uzodimma, who briefed State House correspondents after the NEC meeting, explained that the decision was driven by the urgent need to stop revenue leakages from the unregulated exploitation of mineral wealth.

“Our solid minerals are being mined and stolen without contributing to national revenue,” Uzodimma stated, confirming NEC’s directive for his committee to collaborate with relevant agencies to ensure that resources like gold and other valuable assets are properly accounted for and revenue collection is improved.

The Governor also provided a positive update on the oil sector, noting that the daily crude oil production has increased significantly to over 1.7 million barrels per day from the previous level of 700,000–800,000 barrels per day.

He attributed this success to an enhanced, collaborative security framework involving the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the Navy, security agencies, and robust community engagement.

Uzodimma concluded that the expanded inter-ministerial committee will now coordinate efforts across both the oil and solid minerals sectors, with a primary focus on closing gaps in monitoring, licensing, and revenue collection. The committee will also work to strengthen surveillance across export corridors to secure offshore and creek areas and deter illegal activities.