FG partners UNODC to strengthen capacity against financial crimes in solid minerals sector

The Federal Government is collaborating with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to enhance Nigeria’s capacity to detect, investigate, and prosecute financial crimes linked to conflict and terrorism, particularly in the solid minerals sector.

Minister of Solid minerals,  Chief Dele Alake said this in a statement, following a visit by a delegation from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), led by Mr. Tom Parker, to discuss a partnership between the Federal Government and the agency.

During the meeting,  Chief Alake said the team commended the measures Nigeria has already taken, especially the establishment of the Mining Marshals, which they regarded as a significant step toward addressing illegal mining.

Since their deployment, the Marshals have been active in arresting and prosecuting illegal miners.

He said, “Encouragingly, we are already seeing a shift, as many operators are now working to regularise their activities and comply with the law,”.

“The President has approved the deployment of a satellite-based monitoring system to enhance the surveillance of mining operations. This will allow us to identify incidents in real time and ensure timely intervention by security personnel,” he added.

He also reaffirmed FG’s acceptance of UNODC’s support in the country’s fight against natural resource terrorism.

“We welcome the support of the UNODC in this critical effort. Strengthening our institutional capacity to combat illicit financial flows and criminal activity in the mining sector is essential to protecting Nigeria’s natural resources and national security,” the statement added.

He said that the collaboration aimed to strengthen Nigeria’s institutional capacity to combat illicit financial flows and criminal activity in the mining sector.

Alake also emphasised the importance of protecting Nigeria’s natural resources and national security, welcoming the support of the UNODC in the country’s fight against natural resource terrorism