A coalition of Thirty Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) has issued a warning about potential sabotage in Nigeria’s mining sector, raising concerns over alleged plans by certain individuals to undermine President Bola Tinubu’s efforts in the industry. The CSOs, including the Global Peace and Life Rescue Initiative (GOPRI), expressed suspicions based on an independent assessment of developments in the country’s mining sector.
Led by GOPRI, the non-partisan organizations emphasized the need for vigilance, cautioning against a clandestine plan by individuals displaced by the administration. The warning called for a united front to protect the mining sector from illicit activities that could jeopardize its success.
The joint statement, signed by representatives from various organizations, urged Tinubu’s administration to leverage the mining sector for economic diversification, aiming to reduce reliance on oil revenue.
The groups highlighted the positive transformations and reforms observed in the Ministry of Solid Minerals, particularly in the Nigeria Mining Cadastral Office. They commended the digitalization and comprehensive restructuring of the Cadastral Office, positioning it as globally competitive.
However, the CSOs raised an alarm about a potential campaign of calumny against the leadership of the mining sector. They emphasized the importance of staying vigilant and warned of possible resistance from significant players involved in illegal and fraudulent mining activities who may have been displaced by the ongoing reforms.
The statement concluded by calling on the government and Nigerians to be alert and resist any attempts to tarnish the reputation of the Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office and its leadership.
