The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the procurement of a ₦2.5 billion satellite surveillance system to combat illegal mining across Nigeria.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, announced this after the council's third meeting of the year on Monday. He said the integrated technology solution would help monitor unlicensed, unregulated, and underreported mining activities, which have led to revenue losses and illegal mineral extraction.
According to Alake, the satellite equipment will be installed at strategic locations nationwide, providing real-time visual monitoring of mining sites. The system will track mineral extraction volumes, truck movements, and security conditions in mining areas, with an operations center in the ministry for live surveillance.
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The minister also highlighted a two-pronged strategy to curb illegal mining—persuasive and coercive measures. The persuasive approach encourages artisanal miners to form cooperatives, allowing them to formalize operations, access bank loans, and contribute to national revenue. Over 300 cooperatives have been created so far.
For defiant illegal miners, the coercive approach involves the Mining Marshals, a security task force that has arrested, prosecuted, and convicted offenders, including foreigners.
Alake reaffirmed the government's commitment to tackling illegal mining and maximizing the country's mineral resources for national development.
