The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa has said that the presence and capabilities of the military in North West deter illegal activities and provide the necessary support to civilian authorities in enforcing regulations.
General Musa said this today, Monday 30th Sept 2024 at the Army War College Nigeria graduation Lecture for participants Course 8/2024 as the College continues to play a crucial role in addressing critical issues through its courses and research.
The lecture titled "Evolving Viable Regulatory Framework and Interagency Collaboration for Protection of Solid Minerals Sector Towards Enhanced National Security and Economic Growth in Nigeria" which marks a significant milestone for the 75 officers, comprising 65 from the Nigerian Army, 2 from the Nigerian Navy, 2 from the Nigerian Air Force, and 6 officers from some sister African nations, namely Cameroon, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Eswatini, and the Republic of Liberia.
In his remarks, General Musa said the lecture clearly highlights that the protection and management of solid mineral resources are not merely economic issues, but issues that remain integral to the national security and sovereignty. Challenges meditating against the viability of solid mineral sector were also highlighted in the lecture.
"However, it is imperative to mention that our involvement, as always, is guided by respect for human rights and the rule of law, ensuring that our actions build trust and confidence among the communities we serve. I am happy to note that today's lecture will consolidate on the teachings of the Army War College, Nigeria.
"Their sustainability and security Interagency approach. foster corporation between the military, Our presence deter ability for . All society approach to solve Banditry and illegal Mining in Nigeria. "he said
The CDS urged participants to carry forward the insights and knowledge they have gained today and in the last eight months. "You are now equipped to contribute to the development of strategies and policies that will enhance our national security and economic resilience.
"Your leadership will be pivotal in shaping the future of our nation. Permit me before I close to also state in clear terms that what we have listened today, like I mentioned earlier, captures the essence of what and it means, we mentioned the issue of all-society approach to solving this problem. There is no institution, no one institution, no one organization can do this if we don't work together as a team.
"The military can only do so much. I've always mentioned that the contribution of the military solving our national security is only 20-25 percent. 75 percent has to do with good governance, and you can see that it was clearly stated, without which it would be immensely, almost impossible for us to achieve peace.
"And so we need the government agencies to also be up and doing, and the citizens too have a responsibility to stand in and be counted, because without the support to the enforcing and security agencies, we can hardly achieve anything. Myself, as the Chief of the Defence Staff, I'm in between, now standing in between the political class and the military in that respect, and that's why it's important. The points brought out here are things we know, but most times we don't keep quiet." he noted
In his goodwill message the Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Taoreed Lagbaja ably represented by the Chief of Training (Army), Major General Sani Gambo Muhammed said that a well-managed mineral sector in terms of regulation and protection can enhance the national security by reducing illegal mining activities, which often fund criminal enterprises and contribute to regional instability.
Lt Gen Lagbaja noted that the lecture highlighted several challenges, such as illegal mining, inadequate regulatory frameworks, and insufficient infrastructure. These challenges not only hinder economic growth but also pose significant security risks. Illegal mining operations, for instance, are often linked to environmental degradation, loss of government revenue, and funding for insurgent groups.
"As noted by the guest speaker, addressing these challenges requires an all-of-society approach involving government intervention, community engagement, and private sector participation. All hope is, however, not lost. Alongside these challenges lie tremendous opportunities.
"By investing in modern mining technologies, improving regulatory oversight, fostering public-private partnerships, and, of course, by effective protection of the sector, Nigeria can unlock the full potential of its solid mineral resources. This, in turn, will enhance our national security. "he said
The Guest speaker, Professor Abubakar Muazu Gusau, the Vice Chancellor Federal University Gusau Lectures Army War College Nigeria (AWCN) Course 8/2024 on "Protection of Solid Minerals Sector for Enhanced National Security" revealed the Challenges facing the Solid Minerals Sector, which are Inadequate Infrastructure, the lack of necessary infrastructure, such as roads, railways, and power supply, hampers the development of the solid minerals sector. Without adequate infrastructure, the cost of extracting, processing, and transporting minerals remains high, reducing profitability and competitiveness
Also, regulatory and Policy Inconsistencies, Frequent changes in regulations and policies have created an unstable environment for investors in the solid minerals sector. Inconsistent policies deter long-term investment and contribute to the underdevelonment of the sector.
Prof. Gusau also revealed the impact of Illegal Mining on Education: A Case Study of Zamfara State, Nigeria. Illegal mining in Zamfara State, Nigeria, has had profound impacts on both national security, economy and local communities.
The extraction of natural resources, particularly gold, without government oversight has led to a range of social, economic loss, and environmental challenges and House of Representatives Committee on solid minerals development reported that Nigeria loses 9bn USD to illegal mining annually.
Prof Gusau also noted that the impact of illegal mining on education in Zamfara State is profound, leading to school closures, increased child labor, and significant drops in enrollment and literacy rates. Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive interventions from both government and non-governmental organizations.
He further gave impact of illegal mining on National security, which is Financing of Armed Groups. Illegal mining has been closely linked to the financing of armed groups in Zamfara The uncontrolled exploitation of gold and other minerals provides a steady stream of revenue for criminal networks and insurgents. These groups often use the proceeds to purchase arms, leading to an escalation in violence and insecurity in the region .
"Proliferation of Small Arms. The revenue from illegal mining from facilitated the proliferation of small arms in Zamfara State. Armed bandits, often linked to legal mining activities, have been able to acquire sophisticated weapons, contributing to the breakdown of law an order. This has led to frequent clashes between these groups and security forces, a well as between rival mining gangs.
"Destabilization of Local Governance. Illegal mining has undermined local governance structures. Traditional authorities, who often have control over land and resources, are either co-opted by mining Interests or rendered powerless by the violence that companies illegal mining. This destabilization hampers the state's ability to enforce law and order, farther exacerbating insecurity.
Also on the Impact on Local Communities, Prof Gusau said it affect the environmental Degradation. "Ilegal mining activities have led to severe environmental degradation in Zamfara. The use of harmful chemicals, such as mercury and cyanide, is the extraction process has contaminated water sources, destroyed arable land, and caused deforestation. These environmental impacts have long term consequences for the health and livelihoods of local community.
"It gives Health Hazards. The contamination of the environment through illegal mining has resulted in significant health challenges. One of the most notorious incidents was the lead poisoning crisis in 2010, where over 400 children died, and thousands more were affected due to exposure to lead dust frem illegal mining operations. These health issues have overwhelmed local healthcare systems and contributed to high mortality rates in the region."he explained
Prof Gusau gave possible solution to the menace like harmonization of Regulatory Bodies, noting that the roles of various regulatory bodies should be streamlined to avoid duplication of efforts and conflicting mandates. For example, the mandates of NESREA and the Ministry of Environment should be clarified to ensure consistency in environmental regulations affecting the mining sector.
"Improved Community Development Agreements (CDAS). CDAs should be more rigorously enforced, with regular monitoring and independent andits to ensure that communities benefit equitably from mining activities. Τώ would reduce tensions between mining companies and local communities and promote more sustainable development in mining areas.
"Introducing third-party oversight mechanisms and revising the Biructure of CDAs could ensure more transparest and accountable benefit-sharing mechanisms.
"Capacity Building for Regulatory Agencies. To improve oversight and governance, the capacity of regulatory agencies needs to be strengthened. This involves training personnel, spgrading technology for mauitoring and licensing, and Improving collaboration with international organizations to implement best practices in the mining sector
Earlier in his opening remarks, the College Commandant, Major General Ishaya Maina said the 75 officers have all undergone rigorous training over the past 35 weeks, navigating through eight meticulous designated modules aimed at preparing them for the complexities of operational level command and staff responsibilities.
Major General Maina noted that the training was not only intense but also inclusive, with participation from various ministries, departments, and agencies which comprised the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency, and Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps, particularly in the foundation and interagency cooperation modules.
He said the graduation lecture is the first of three graduation activities for Course 8 that will climax with the graduation ceremony on Friday, 4th October 2024. He stressed that the theme reflects our collective recognition of the strategic importance of the solid mineral sector to our national security and economic development. These inform the college environmental study visit to Benue and Osun States, where earlier on the course, the participants assessed local mining activities and their impact on security and development.
Maj. Gen Maina added that the Nigerian government has also identified key minerals like coal, bitumen, limestone, iron ore, barites, gold, and lead/zinc as strategic for economic development and the college has conducted strategic study visits to countries like Liberia to explore ways to protect the solid minerals sector.
Dignitaries at the lecture were, the Guest speaker, the Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Gusau, the Chairman Committee on Solid Minerals representative, the Chairman House Committee on Solid, the Chief of Defense Intelligence, representative of the Chief of Army Staff, senior officers from the Defence Headquarters, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Navy and Nigerian Air Force.