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.