Gbefwi stated this during an investigative hearing organised by the committee in Abuja on Monday.
Nigeria is experiencing a significant loss of $9billion annually due to illegal mining activities, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Solid Minerals, Jonathan Gbefwi has said.
Gbefwi stated this during an investigative hearing organised by the committee in Abuja on Monday.
He regretted that the unregulated exploitation of natural resources was jeopardising the sustainability of the mineral sector, a development he said was leading to environmental degradation.
He said, “The parliament is deeply worried about the loss of revenue through unregulated and illicit mining operations with the Federal Government disclosing that unlawful mining costs the country $9bn each year, with the only money coming from a three per cent royalty paid by the few licensed miners.
“This public hearing is aimed at investigating illegal mining activities, under-reporting wins (extract e-products) by mining and quarry license operators, utilisation of financial interventions in the Nigerian solid minerals sector amounting to trillions of naira within the solid mineral sector and also the Nigeria Minerals and Mining Act (Amendment Bill) and Nigeria solid Minerals Development Company (establishment bill), respectively.”
Gbefwi, a member of the Social Democratic Party representing Karu/Keffi/Kokona Federal Constituency, Nasarawa State, also noted that “The unregulated exploitation of our natural resources jeopardises the sustainability of the mineral sector, leading to environmental degradation and revenue loss that could otherwise benefit our communities and nation as a whole.
“It is imperative that we take, as a matter of urgency, decisive steps and necessary action to address this issue and ensure that our solid mineral sector operates within the framework of the law, protecting our natural resources for future generations.”
