Foreign illegal miners are responsible for banditry in Nigeria – Alake

The minister for solid minerals, Dele Alake claims that foreign illicit miners are funding banditry in Nigeria.

He made this statement on Monday during a briefing for state house reporters that followed the Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja.

However, he stated that his ministry is taking action to introduce new technology into the mining sector in order to address the issue and allow Nigeria to benefit as much as possible from the solid minerals sector.

He said his ministry is liaising with the Nigerian armed military and other security agencies in the country to boost security in areas where solid minerals abound in the country.

Alake disclosed that the Federal Executive Council approved a draft policy document on the solid minerals sector which highlights measures to be taken for adequate utilization of the country’s mineral resources.

He expressed optimism that solid minerals will soon become a major source of funding for the country’s budget.