Gold Rush in Abuja’s Kaida Community Raises Concerns Over Safety, Revenue Loss
A recent gold discovery in the Kaida community of Gwagwalada, Abuja, has sparked a massive influx of miners, many of whom are unlicensed.
The area has been thrown into chaos, with hundreds of people digging furiously for the precious metal.
The site has been cordoned off by security agencies, but artisanal mining activities continue in some parts of the area. Residents have expressed concerns over the risks associated with illegal mining, including safety and environmental hazards.
According to experts, the unregulated mining activities are depriving the government of much-needed revenue. Nigeria loses approximately $9 billion annually to illegal mining and gold smuggling, according to the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative.
Community leaders are calling on the government to take over the mining activities and develop the area. They claim that gold deposits exist across the Federal Capital Territory and urge the government to harness these resources for the benefit of the nation.
The situation in Gwagwalada highlights the need for effective regulation and oversight of the mining sector to prevent revenue loss and ensure the safety of communities.
As the gold rush continues, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the challenges posed by this development.
