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PTDF, UNIJOS Push for Modern Mining Practices to Tackle Insecurity
JOS, Nigeria — The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) and the University of Jos (UNIJOS) have called for the adoption of modern mining methods as a way to address rising insecurity linked to illegal mining in Nigeria.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The call was made during a workshop on sustainable mining practices held in Jos, Plateau State. Experts at the event said unsafe and unregulated mining has fueled violence, environmental damage and economic losses across many communities.
A move for safety and growth
PTDF officials said Nigeria must upgrade its mining sector to international standards if it wants to reduce conflicts, improve revenue and protect the environment.
“Illegal mining not only destroys the land but also contributes to insecurity in many rural areas,” said Dr. Bello Aliyu, a PTDF representative. “By adopting modern practices, we can create jobs, boost safety and reduce the activities of criminal groups.”
UNIJOS researchers agreed, adding that poor mining practices have left deep scars on the environment while weakening local economies. They said the use of advanced technology, proper monitoring and strict regulations would help Nigeria balance security and development needs.
The link between mining and insecurity
In recent years, states such as Zamfara, Plateau and Niger have suffered violence tied to illegal mining and the fight for control of mineral resources. Security experts warn that armed groups often exploit weak oversight in the mining sector, using proceeds to fund their operations.
According to the Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, the country loses billions of naira each year to unregulated mining. Communities are left with polluted water, unsafe sites and little benefit from their natural resources.
“This is a national security issue,” said Prof. Joseph Ndem, a geologist at UNIJOS. “When mining is unregulated, it attracts criminal groups. Modern mining will not only improve efficiency but also bring transparency and peace.”
Calls for government action
Speakers at the workshop urged the federal government to enforce mining laws, support training for local miners and attract investment in safe technology. They said Nigeria can learn from countries that have successfully reformed their mining sectors to reduce illegal operations.
They also appealed to state governments to work with communities to ensure that local people benefit from mining rather than being displaced or exposed to danger.
“Without strong government support, illegal mining will continue to thrive,” said Dr. Aliyu. “We need modern equipment, trained workers and strict rules to secure the sector.”
A path toward development
Participants highlighted the potential of mining to drive economic growth if managed responsibly. They noted that Nigeria has vast mineral resources beyond oil, including gold, tin and lithium, which can support industries and create jobs if tapped sustainably.
UNIJOS Vice Chancellor, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, said the university will continue to partner with PTDF and other stakeholders to promote research and training in mining engineering.
“Our goal is to prepare the next generation of experts who can manage Nigeria’s resources in a safe and modern way,” Ishaya said.
The bigger picture
Analysts say reforming the mining sector could help Nigeria diversify its economy, reduce dependence on oil and address youth unemployment. But they caution that change will require strong political will, investment and community cooperation.
For now, the push by PTDF and UNIJOS reflects growing recognition that insecurity and illegal mining are deeply connected. Experts believe that modern practices, backed by government support, can turn the sector into a source of peace and prosperity instead of conflict.
In response to ongoing bandit attacks, the Nigerian military has reportedly taken full control of security operations in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The army stated that criminal elements would find no safe haven in the area.
This move follows an appeal by Governor Bala Mohammed to the Federal Government for urgent intervention after armed bandits invaded communities in Alkaleri LGA.
On Tuesday, the governor received Major General Eyitayo Foluso Oyinlola, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 3rd Division of the Nigerian Army, at the Government House in Bauchi.
The GOC explained that his visit was in line with directives from the Chief of Defence Staff to take direct supervision of military operations in Alkaleri following recent security breaches.
He added that the deployment of additional troops aimed to restore lasting peace to the affected communities.
Assuring the governor of a robust military response, the GOC said proactive and coordinated strategies were being employed to eliminate criminal elements and prevent further attacks. Both kinetic and non-kinetic measures are reportedly in place to restore normalcy.
According to him, troops have intensified clearance operations, strengthened surveillance at key flashpoints, and enhanced collaboration with other security agencies to deter future incursions.
He also noted that intelligence-led operations are ongoing to dismantle criminal hideouts and disrupt the movements of armed groups, with additional logistics and manpower deployed to maintain a sustained security presence in Alkaleri and surrounding communities.
Public affairs analyst and activist, Blessing Akinlosotu, has called on the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to monitor social media content creators more closely to prevent abuse.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Akinlosotu made the appeal in a statement on Tuesday, responding to the controversy involving President Bola Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu, social commentator Martins Otse, aka VeryDarkMan (VDM), and content creator Mitchel Mukoro, known as King Mitchy.
Reports indicated that VDM alleged Seyi Tinubu and King Mitchy threatened his life over comments about a ₦100 million donation. Seyi Tinubu, however, dismissed the claim in a detailed statement over the weekend. The situation escalated further after reports suggested that King Mitchy attempted to harm herself.
Reacting to the incident, Akinlosotu criticized VDM for involving Seyi Tinubu unnecessarily and condemned King Mitchy for attempting self-harm.
She stressed, “I call on the Nigerian Communications Commission, the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission, and other regulatory bodies to pay closer and more serious attention to content being produced daily by creators across the country. Strong sanctions are needed, and some individuals should be held accountable to serve as a deterrent.”
Enugu State’s All Progressives Congress (APC) has elected Dr. Martin Chukwunweike as Chairman and Hon. Chukwudi Nnadozie as Secretary of a 37-member state executive. The leadership team, which includes 35 other members, emerged unanimously on Tuesday at the party’s state congress held at Okpara Square, Enugu. The APC national panel described the exercise as free, fair, and credible.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Additionally, 15 zonal executives—five for each of the state’s three senatorial zones—were also elected.
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State praised party leaders and members for the peaceful and transparent conduct of the congress, while lauding President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies for boosting state revenues and enabling developmental projects in Enugu.
Governor Mbah said, “What we have achieved here demonstrates that we are part of one big family. Enugu State is not only a model of governance but also a model in politics. The merger of parties we achieved is genuine and not just a marriage of convenience.”
He congratulated the new leadership and urged them to continue the work of the Dr. Ben Nwoye-led Caretaker Committee, emphasizing the need to communicate his administration’s reforms and development initiatives to grassroots communities.
Highlighting the impact of President Tinubu’s policies, Mbah said, “The bold initiatives from Mr. President have increased funds for subnational governments. This has made our state transformations possible, including stabilizing the exchange rate, strengthening the naira, and raising foreign reserves to $50 billion for the first time in 13 years.”
On the benefits of APC membership, he added, “Through connecting to the centre, we’ve seen major projects approved, including the concession of Enugu International Airport, the railway extension from Aba, the South East Development Commission, and the high-pressure gas pipeline to unlock Enugu’s energy potential.”
In his acceptance speech, Chukwunweike pledged to work with his team to ensure the re-election of Governor Mbah and President Tinubu. “We will deliver. No governor has completed a tenure successfully in Enugu since 1999, and Governor Mbah will not be an exception, especially with his record and performance,” he stated.
Outgoing Caretaker Committee Chairman, Dr. Ben Nwoye, commended Mbah for uniting former APC and PDP members into one strong party structure. “We chose inclusion over exclusion, dialogue over division, and unity over personal ambition,” he said.
The APC National Deputy Chairman (South), Chief Emma Enukwu, encouraged the new leadership to prove themselves in the upcoming elections, emphasizing that political party leadership is measured by the ability to secure votes and win elections.
The five-member APC panel overseeing the congress, chaired by Hon. Loveth Idisi with Hon. Tobechukwu Okonkwo as secretary, described the exercise as transparent, successful, and credible, praising Mbah for the state’s development and cleanliness.
Other dignitaries present included Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Uchenna Ugwu; Senator Osita Ngwu; Hon. Martins Oke; Deputy Governor Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia; and Chief of Staff Barr. Victor Udeh, among several other current and former political office holders.
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