The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the procurement of a N2.5 billion satellite system to combat illegal mining across the country.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, disclosed this after the FEC’s third meeting of the year on Monday, stating that the technology will provide real-time surveillance of mining sites and help curb unlicensed operations, revenue losses, and security risks.
The satellite system will be strategically deployed nationwide, enabling authorities to track mineral extraction volumes, monitor truck movements, and assess security conditions. A central operations hub, the Mines Marshal Centre, will oversee the system.
Alake noted that the initiative aligns with the ministry’s two-pronged approach to tackling illegal mining—persuasion and enforcement. The persuasive strategy encourages artisanal miners to form cooperatives, granting them formal recognition, financial access, and legal operational status. Over 300 cooperatives have been established so far.
For miners resisting regulation, the government has implemented strict enforcement through the Mining Marshals, resulting in arrests, prosecutions, and convictions of illegal operators, including foreign nationals.
Credit: NAN (Text Excluding Headline)
