The Federal Government will employ satellite technology to monitor mining sites around the country, according to a statement made by Dr. Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development.
Alake stated that this technology will support the 2,220 members of the Mining Marshal Corps—who are recruited from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)—in their efforts to combat illicit mining in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.
In order to safeguard Nigeria’s natural riches, these corps members—who are dispersed throughout the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)—have additionally undergone modern combat training from the military.
He said, We are introducing some technology, we are not just relying on men and materials alone. The satellite surveillance gadgets we are putting in there is to enable us to see in real-time in all mining sites in Nigeria.”
“So that when we notice any infraction, very quickly we can deploy the mining marshals to go there so we don’t even have to wait for any interpersonal communication. That reduces the time of knowledge and action.”
“Right now, we depend on people passing intelligence to us but when the satellite surveillance gadget is working, we will be able to see it ourselves. Which is a step forward on the right direction
The minister underlined that putting laws and programs in place that protect investors’ money is necessary to draw investors—especially big players—to the industry.