A new report titled “Silent Conquest: The Chinese Infiltration of Nigeria’s Solid Minerals Sector” has revealed massive illegal mining of solid minerals in Nigeria by some Chinese nationals resulting in environmental degradation and revenue losses to the nation.
The findings of the report were released at a media event in Lagos.
From deep rural communities to remote forested hills, Nigeria’s solid minerals tell a story of abundance but also of loss.
This report, “Silent Conquest: The Chinese Infiltration of Nigeria’s Solid Minerals Sector,” put together by the Renevlyn Development Initiative, exposes what it describes as a quiet but widespread exploitation of Nigeria’s mineral wealth.
Based on field visits, stakeholder interviews, and years of data analysis between 2018 and 2025, the report reveals how illegal mining, much of it involving foreign nationals
has continued unchecked in both northern and southern Nigeria.
Executive Director, Renevlyn Development Initiative, Philip Jakpor, notes that while the group supports legitimate investment, the report raises serious concerns about the revenue losses and human cost of the illegal activities on host communities who are often excluded from decision-making, left with degraded land, polluted water sources, and little or no economic benefit.
Other speakers at the report launch commended Renevlyn Development Initiative for documenting the issue and called on government to urgently plug the identified gaps.
As Nigeria looks to diversify its economy, advocates say decisive action is needed
before the nation’s solid minerals become another missed opportunity.
Editor: Ebuwa Omo-Osagie
