Reps vow stricter mining licenses to tackle illicit trade, insecurity
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, stated that the lower chamber will introduce stricter licensing regulations in the mining industry to combat illegal resource trading and eliminate financial backing for insecurity.He shared this information on Wednesday during the 8th annual conference of the Network of African Parliamentarians on Defence and Security Committees, which took place in Abuja.
The conference focused on regional collaboration and the governance of natural resources, bringing together African lawmakers and security professionals.
Abbas pointed out that inadequate regulation of extractive industries leads to corruption and exacerbates violence, particularly in regions rich in gold, oil, and other resources.
“Our continent encounters numerous challenges. Ineffective management of natural resources, porous borders, extreme ideologies, and the disenfranchisement of youth are triggering conflicts that jeopardize lives and institutions.
“The Sahel region, abundant in gold, oil, and minerals, has experienced thousands of fatalities just this year. West Africa registered nearly 25,000 civilian deaths from 2021 to mid-2024.
“These figures indicate that insecurity in one area of Africa adversely impacts the entire continent’s prosperity.
“Nigeria has taken on the role of leadership in continental security. From early ECOWAS peace-support initiatives to our present engagement in the multinational joint task force and the Gulf of Guinea maritime arrangements, we consistently provide troops, intelligence, and mediation,” Abbas remarked.
He emphasized, “Parliament backs this leadership through legislation, oversight, and continuous citizen engagement.
“The quest for peace is equally a fight for responsible governance of Africa’s natural resources.
“Illegal mining, concealed oil agreements, and unregulated timber routes create revenue streams that empower insurgents, corrupt institutions, and deprive communities of the benefits of growth.
“Where resource governance is poor, violence thrives; where it is transparent and accountable, prosperity and stability emerge. Nigeria’s recent reforms exemplify this concept.
“The Petroleum Industry Act has transformed the governance of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
“The Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative now publishes detailed revenue data, and beneficial ownership registries are revealing shell companies.”
The lawmaker also called for a continent-wide framework on digital sovereignty, aimed at allowing African nations to protect their cyberspace and financial systems while maintaining civil liberties.
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