During an investigative hearing in Abuja, on Monday, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen. Christopher Musa stunned lawmakers by exposing the extensive connections of illegal miners, which he claimed have severely undermined Nigeria’s economy, costing the nation an estimated $9 billion annually.
The hearing, organized by the House of Representatives Committee on Solid Minerals and chaired by Jonathan Gbefwi, highlighted alarming revelations about the detrimental impact of illegal mining activities across the country.
Gbefwi, representing Karu/Keffi/Kokona Federal Constituency, Nasarawa State, expressed deep concern over the minimal revenue generated from mining royalties, with only 3% contributing to government coffers despite the sector’s immense potential.
