In a stunning revelation, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Interior, has accused retired generals of being behind the rampant illegal mining activities plaguing the country.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Oshiomhole made the allegation on Thursday while receiving the 2025 budget report from Senator Sampson Ekong, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals Development.
According to Oshiomhole, the involvement of retired generals in illegal mining is a major obstacle to Nigeria’s efforts to diversify its economy. “Unless we address this issue, our economic diversification efforts will remain a mirage,” he warned.
The former Edo State governor’s accusation comes on the heels of recent statements by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, who revealed that influential Nigerians, including retired generals, are involved in illegal mining.
The illegal mining activities have not only led to significant revenue losses for the government but also fueled insecurity and deterred genuine foreign investors from investing in the sector.
Oshiomhole’s revelation has sparked widespread outrage and calls for urgent action to address the issue. The Senate Committee on Interior has vowed to investigate the allegations and ensure that those found culpable are brought to justice.