The National Economic Council has approved a nationwide crackdown on illegal gold mining to protect Nigeria’s mineral resources and boost revenue.

The decision expands the mandate of its Oil Theft Prevention Committee, led by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, to include combating mineral smuggling and unregulated mining. Uzodinma stated that the committee will collaborate with key agencies and security forces to prevent gold theft and illicit exports, which cost Nigeria over $9 billion annually. The move aligns with efforts to apply the same resource protection strategies used in the oil sector to the solid minerals sector.

The National Economic Council has announced plans to crack down on illegal gold mining to protect Nigeria’s mineral resources and boost revenue.

The Council expanded the mandate of its Oil Theft Prevention Committee, led by Governor Hope Uzodinma, to also tackle mineral smuggling and unregulated mining. Uzodinma said the committee would work with key agencies and security forces to stop gold theft, which costs Nigeria over $9 billion annually.

The new directive aims to apply the same anti-theft framework used in the oil sector to the solid minerals industry.