Reps Probe Alleged N2bn Scandal In Mining Marshals

MorganaBle Politics/Legislative Affairs

Danga expressed concern that instead of subjecting the officer to prosecution or internal disciplinary measures, the commander was allegedly redeployed

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The House of Representatives on Wednesday resolved to investigate allegations of financial misconduct and operational irregularities within the Mining Marshals, including claims that more than N2bn was traced to the bank account of one of the unit’s State Commanders.

The decision followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Abdulmaleek Danga, who raised concerns over the activities and accountability of the specialised security outfit established to combat illegal mining across the country.

Leading the debate during plenary, Danga recalled that the Mining Marshals were inaugurated on March 21, 2024, by the Federal Government through a collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and the Federal Ministry of Interior.

The unit, comprising over 2,200 personnel drawn from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, was created under the provisions of Section 3 of the NSCDC Act and the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007.

According to him, the Marshals were mandated to secure mining sites, tackle illegal mining activities, curb banditry in mineral-producing communities and safeguard government revenue from the solid minerals sector.

However, he alleged that the unit had deviated significantly from its original mandate.

“The House is concerned by reports indicating a deviation from this mandate, characterised by allegations that the Mining Marshals lack deep operational knowledge of the mining sector, resulting in the wrongful apprehension and harassment of legitimate mineral title holders,” Danga said.

He added that such actions were often misrepresented to the public as successful crackdowns on illegal mining operators, thereby creating a false impression of effectiveness while undermining lawful business activities in the sector.

The lawmaker further drew attention to what he described as “grave allegations of financial impropriety” within the unit, particularly the reported discovery of over N2bn in the bank account of a State Commander.

“The House is also concerned by grave allegations of financial impropriety within the unit, specifically the reported discovery of over N2bn in the bank account of a State Commander of the Mining Marshals,” he stated.

Danga expressed concern that instead of subjecting the officer to prosecution or internal disciplinary measures, the commander was allegedly redeployed.

He said the development had fuelled widespread public suspicion of compromise and possible collusion with illegal mining syndicates.

“The House is worried that instead of a formal judicial inquiry, prosecution, or internal disciplinary action, the said Commander was merely redeployed, fuelling allegations that the Marshals are being compromised by affluent illegal mining syndicates,” he added.

He also questioned the transparency of the unit’s financial operations, citing the procurement and allocation of operational vehicles without a clearly identifiable legislative appropriation or budgetary provision.

“The House is disturbed by the lack of fiscal transparency surrounding the unit, notably the recent procurement and allocation of operational vehicles to the Marshals without a clear record of legislative appropriation,” he said.

Danga warned that the alleged lapses could have far-reaching consequences for Nigeria’s economy, particularly at a time when the Federal Government is seeking to diversify revenue sources away from crude oil.

“The House is convinced that these operational and financial anomalies directly undermine Nigeria’s economic interests, resulting in mineral revenue leakages, heightened insecurity, and a deterioration of investor confidence in the solid minerals sector,” he said.

House Mandate Committee To Conduct Investigation

Following the adoption of the motion, the House mandated its Committee on Solid Minerals Development to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the operations of the Mining Marshals across the country.

The committee is expected to determine whether the unit is operating within its legal framework, probe allegations of corruption including the reported N2bn linked to a former State Commander, and investigate similar cases across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Lawmakers also directed the panel to examine the source of funding for the procurement of operational vehicles and other expenditures, as well as scrutinise the legal framework establishing the unit, its organisational structure and compliance with existing laws.

The committee was given four weeks to conclude its investigation and present its findings to the House for further legislative action.

The Mining Marshals were launched as part of efforts to address the persistent challenge of illegal mining, which has long deprived Nigeria of substantial revenue, contributed to environmental degradation and fueled insecurity in mineral-rich communities.

States such as Zamfara, Niger, Nasarawa, Plateau and Kaduna have been particularly affected, with criminal networks exploiting mineral resources while evading regulatory oversight and tax obligations.

Reps Step Down Bill Seeking Ban On Unbranded Cooking Oils

Meanwhile, in a separate development, the House stepped down a bill seeking to prohibit the production, importation, distribution, sale and consumption of unbranded and unfortified edible oils in Nigeria.

The proposed legislation, sponsored by Chike Okafor, was presented for second reading but was deferred following extensive debate among lawmakers over its potential impact on public health, regulatory frameworks and rural livelihoods.

Leading the debate, Okafor said the bill aimed to address growing public health risks associated with the widespread consumption of unbranded and unfortified cooking oils across the country.

He cited statistics indicating that about 67 per cent of Nigerians consume unbranded edible oils, while only 31 per cent of oils in circulation are fortified.

Unbranded Oil Poses Serious Health Risks-Rep

According to him, the situation poses significant health risks, particularly in relation to micronutrient deficiencies, which can lead to various health complications.

Citing a report by the World Health Organisation, Okafor described food fortification as “a proven, cost-effective strategy to address micronutrient deficiencies and improve public health.”

He explained that the bill sought to prohibit the production and sale of unfortified and unbranded edible oils, while also mandating collaboration among research institutes, universities and state ministries to improve seedlings and establish cooking oil processing mills through public-private partnerships.

However, several lawmakers raised concerns about the potential consequences of the bill, particularly its impact on small-scale producers and rural communities who rely on local oil production for their livelihoods.

Others argued that existing regulatory agencies, such as the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, already have the mandate to regulate food standards, suggesting that strengthening enforcement mechanisms might be more effective than introducing new legislation.

Concerns were also raised about the inadequate circulation of copies of the bill among members, which some lawmakers said limited their ability to fully engage with its provisions.

Following the debate, the House resolved to step down the bill for further legislative consultations and wider stakeholder engagement.

The twin developments underscore the House’s increasing focus on oversight and regulatory reforms, particularly in sectors critical to Nigeria’s economic diversification and public health.