RMRDC, NSCDC Mining Marshals Unite to Curb Illegal Mining and Boost Nigeria’s Mineral Wealth
The Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) has entered into a strategic partnership with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals to tackle illegal mining across the country and enhance the value of Nigeria’s mineral resources.
The collaboration was sealed in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Mining Marshals to the RMRDC headquarters.
The agreement brings together the scientific and research expertise of RMRDC and the enforcement capacity of the NSCDC Mining Marshals, with a shared goal of curbing revenue losses, protecting the environment, and formalising Nigeria’s mining sector.
Under the partnership, RMRDC will provide data, technical support, and laboratory analysis of minerals to help security operatives verify the legality and quality of mined resources. The council will also assist in training Mining Marshals to improve their technical knowledge of mineral resources and ensure their operations align with global best practices.
On their part, the Mining Marshals—led by Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) Attah John Onoja—will intensify enforcement efforts by protecting licensed operators, shutting down illegal sites, and providing security during RMRDC’s mapping and research activities.
The Marshals will also play a crucial role in supporting prosecutions, ensuring offenders are held accountable under the law.
Director-General of RMRDC, Professor Nnanyelugo Ike-Muanso, described the collaboration as a “necessary step to secure Nigeria’s mineral wealth,” stressing that illegal mining not only robs the nation of billions in revenue but also causes environmental damage and endangers communities.
The initiative is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s mining governance, recover lost revenues, and attract more investment into the sector. However, experts note that success will depend on proper resourcing, inter-agency cooperation, and speedy judicial processes to secure convictions.
With over 460 illegal mining sites uncovered nationwide in the past 14 months, the RMRDC-NSCDC alliance marks a significant attempt by the government to clamp down on illicit activities and ensure Nigeria’s mineral endowments contribute meaningfully to economic growth.
