The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the country’s critical power infrastructure from vandalism. Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, underscored this during the inauguration of the second batch of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals in Abuja.
Tunji-Ojo emphasized the importance of protecting power transmission and generation points from vandalism, highlighting that substantial financial investments in the power sector should not be undermined by criminal activities. He stressed that a robust power sector is vital for national growth and development, extending the government’s determination to secure critical infrastructure across all sectors, including agriculture, to ensure food security.
The minister pledged to advance President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” focusing on safeguarding critical infrastructure nationwide. He commended the initial success of the first batch of Mining Marshals in enhancing revenue in the mining sector and expressed the need for continuous training to effectively secure all critical mining infrastructure.
Dr. Dele Alake, representing the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Mary Ogbe, addressed the challenges posed by illegal mining activities, which have displaced legitimate miners and disrupted operations. He highlighted the integration of Federal Mines Officers and Mining Marshals across states as a measure to sanitize the mining sector, reclaiming illegally occupied mining areas and facilitating the resumption of lawful mining activities.
NSCDC Commandant-General Ahmed Audi underscored the role of the newly inaugurated 350 mining marshals in combating illegal mining activities and ensuring national security in the mining sector. He emphasized the importance of patriotism, loyalty, and ethical conduct among the marshals, warning against any behavior that could tarnish the corps’ reputation.
Audi highlighted the detrimental effects of illegal mining operations, including revenue loss, environmental degradation, and health hazards. He emphasized that promoting safe and legal mining practices would attract both local and foreign investors, contributing positively to Nigeria’s mining industry.
Overall, the inauguration of the NSCDC Mining Marshals and the government’s renewed commitment to protecting critical infrastructure underscore a proactive approach towards enhancing security and promoting sustainable development in Nigeria’s vital sectors.