Tinubu Urges Global Recognition of Mineral Resource Theft as an International Crime
President Bola Tinubu has called on African leaders to rally together and demand that the international community classify the theft of the continent’s mineral resources as a global crime.
The Nigerian President made the appeal on Tuesday while declaring open the Annual General Meeting of the Network of National Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa (NACIWA), held at the ECOWAS Secretariat in Asokoro, Abuja.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, President Tinubu described the illegal extraction and smuggling of mineral resources from Africa as a serious threat to regional peace, economic growth, and security.
He noted that declaring such acts as international crimes would empower affected nations to take decisive action against perpetrators.
According to Tinubu, “the time has come for Africa to unite and push for the classification of mineral resource theft as an international crime.
The looting of our mineral wealth fuels the proliferation of small arms, banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes that destabilize our region.”
The President’s remarks come amid increasing concerns over illegal mining and smuggling activities across West Africa—especially in mineral-rich countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Mali, and Burkina Faso. Reports from the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) have revealed that billions of dollars worth of minerals are illicitly exported from the region annually, depriving governments of essential revenue.
Tinubu lamented that corruption and illicit financial flows have continued to hinder the region’s progress despite decades of independence.
He said the proceeds from stolen minerals not only rob citizens of developmental opportunities but also serve as major sources of funding for terrorism and organized crime.“West Africa’s post-independence journey has been overshadowed by corruption and the looting of our shared wealth,” he stated. “Illicit outflows and resource theft are undermining the region’s stability. We must act collectively to confront this menace and hold those responsible accountable at the global level.”
The President also charged NACIWA delegates to scrutinize the extractive industry and strengthen mechanisms for financial intelligence sharing, anti-money laundering, and transparency. He emphasized that regional cooperation remains vital in combating corruption and safeguarding Africa’s natural resources for sustainable development.
