SNOW TV NEWS DESK
The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has vowed to intensify efforts to combat illegal mining by targeting financiers, mineral buyers, and influential individuals providing support for the illicit trade in Nigeria.
Olukoyede disclosed this on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, in Ilorin, Kwara State, while speaking at a conference on illegal mining, corruption and its environmental consequences.
The conference was organized by the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS) in collaboration with the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA).
Speaking on the theme “Uprooting the Roots of Resource Theft: A Zero-Tolerance Approach to Mining Corruption and Increasing Insecurity in Nigeria,” the EFCC chairman lamented that corruption, insecurity, and illegal mining were preventing the country from maximizing revenue from its abundant mineral resources.
He identified gold, lithium, tin, lead, and zinc among Nigeria’s valuable mineral deposits, noting that criminal activities within the sector continued to deprive the country of substantial economic benefits.
According to Olukoyede, illegal mining involves more than individuals operating at mining locations. He explained that the activities are sustained by financiers, mineral buyers, transporters, and some influential individuals allegedly using their positions to protect the criminal networks.
He stressed that the commission would expand its enforcement strategy beyond arresting illegal miners at excavation sites to tracing financial transactions, identifying sponsors, and prosecuting everyone involved in the illegal trade.
Providing an update on the commission’s achievements, Olukoyede revealed that the EFCC handled 52 illegal mining cases between October 2023 and July 2026.
He added that the investigations resulted in prosecutions, convictions, and the forfeiture of 102 tonnes of solid minerals.
At the event, MINILS also presented a Fellowship Award to Olukoyede in recognition of his contributions to the fight against corruption and financial crimes.
SNOW TV EDITORIAL ANALYSIS
The EFCC’s decision to target the financiers and powerful interests behind illegal mining is a necessary step towards addressing the problem at its roots. Arresting miners alone cannot dismantle an organized criminal network sustained by money, transportation, and political protection.
However, success will depend on transparent investigations, effective prosecution, and cooperation among relevant government agencies. Nigeria must protect its mineral resources from exploitation because illegal mining not only weakens government revenue but also fuels insecurity and environmental destruction. The country needs stronger enforcement and accountable management of its natural wealth.
“Sir Bartholomew White Ebe is a Lagos-based media personality, Music Artist, Producer, and a Relationship Coach and independent journalist. With over seven years of experience tracking political developments and cultural shifts in Nigeria, he specializes in local current affairs, grassroots politics, and community-driven reporting across Lagos State. As the founder and chief editor of Snow Multimedia Connect {SNOW TV}, he leads the editorial team to deliver verified, high-impact stories to digital audiences.”
Email: snowmediaconnect@gmail.com
