The National Economic Council (NEC) has announced a nationwide crackdown on illegal gold mining and mineral smuggling to protect Nigeria’s natural resources and boost revenue. The decision expands the mandate of the Ad-hoc Committee on Crude Oil Theft Prevention and Control, chaired by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, to include combating illicit solid mineral activities.
Uzodinma, briefing reporters after the 153rd NEC meeting chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima in Abuja, said the committee will collaborate with the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, NEITI, and security agencies to curb gold smuggling and unregulated quarrying. The move addresses Nigeria’s multibillion-naira shadow economy in minerals like gold and lithium, with NEITI reporting annual losses of over $9 billion due to illicit extraction, often linked to banditry and cross-border crime.
Originally formed in 2022 to tackle crude oil theft, which reduced Nigeria’s oil production to 700,000–800,000 barrels per day, the committee now aims to replicate its security strategies in the solid minerals sector. Recommendations include enhanced security in creeks and offshore regions to curb illegal vessel movements. The committee will present its first progress report on the expanded mandate at the next NEC meeting in November.
