(Ecofin Agency) - Nigeria's mining sector contributes less than 1% to the GDP, despite the country's $700 billion in mineral resources. Illegal mining is a major factor behind this low contribution, and the government is ramping up efforts to combat the issue.

On April 27, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) announced the arrest of four Chinese nationals suspected of illegal mining. According to the local press, which reported the news, the suspects were apprehended at an illegal site where they admitted to extracting and selling lithium.

These arrests are part of the government's intensive crackdown strategy against illegal mining, which has seen around 20 Chinese nationals arrested for similar activities between 2020 and 2023 in the Zamfara, Kwara, and Akwa states.

According to an ENACT report, the presence of these illegal Chinese miners is facilitated by inadequate migration policies and insufficient effort to fight illegal mining. The foreigners cooperate with local actors.

According to the ENACT report, the government must allocate more resources to law enforcement and raise awareness among local communities about illegal mining and its associated environmental and security risks. Also, amending legislation to strengthen penalties could help tackle the issue effectively.

Nigeria's mineral resources are valued at $700 billion, yet its mining sector accounts for less than 1% of the GDP.

Emiliano Tossou