Sustaining the fight against illegal mining in Nigeria requires persistent attention, action, and public engagement, which can only be achieved through awareness campaigns, investigative reporting, community mobilization, and advocacy.
Stakeholders in the mining sector who shared the views noted that the media is a critical partner in this fight, hence the need for the one-day Media workshop on “Illegal Mining held in Abuja
Illegal Mining in Nigeria is not only an economic issue but also a major environmental and social challenge that causes deforestation, water pollution, soil degradation, and loss of lives.
It is in efforts to stem the tide that the Tinubu administration established an Enforcement Unit in the Mining Marshalls who are empowered to protect the country’s mineral resources, restore order, and ensure that mining becomes a genuine driver for sustaining national development.
The National President, Miners Association of Nigeria, Dele Ayanleke, recognizes the media as critical partners in the fight against illegal mining and therefore tasks practitioners on investigative reporting and community mobilization advocacy.
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The Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, FCT Council, Grace Ike, expressed the hope that the workshop will equip Journalists with the necessary knowledge, skills and resolve in safeguarding Nigeria’s natural resources.
The workshop with the theme, “Sustaining The Fight Against Illegal Mining” highlighted consequences of illegal mining to include: deforestation and degradation from uncontrolled excavation, health hazards for both Miners and communities, child labor, among others.
(Editor: Ena Agbanoma)
