President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has issued a clarion call to world leaders, urging them to classify the theft of mineral resources through illegal mining and smuggling as an international crime.
Tinubu, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, Spoke at the 7th Annual General Assembly of the Network of Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa (NACIWA) in Abuja.
Tinubu framed the illicit exploitation of Africa’s natural wealth as a global threat that fuels economic instability, insecurity, and violent crime across the continent.
Tinubu decried the staggering annual losses, amounting to billions of dollars caused by mineral smuggling, corruption, and illicit trade.
He linked these activities directly to rising incidents of kidnapping, banditry, and broader insecurity in Nigeria and beyond.
“The stealing of our countries’ mineral resources is not a local issue, it is an international crime that undermines peace and stability,” he declared, emphasizing the urgency of a coordinated global response.
The President called on the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the international community to bolster legal frameworks that criminalize illegal mining and resource theft.
He advocated for robust regional cooperation to trace and recover stolen assets, stressing the need for transparency in managing recovered funds.
Tinubu revealed that Nigeria has redirected over ₦100 billion in recovered proceeds to social intervention initiatives, including the Student Loan Scheme and the Consumer Credit Scheme, as part of efforts to reinvest stolen wealth for public good.
“No nation can tackle this menace alone,” Tinubu asserted. “We must forge stronger partnerships and ensure those profiting from our collective wealth face justice.”
He proposed the establishment of a global convention to combat resource theft, drawing parallels with existing international frameworks targeting drug and human trafficking.
Tinubu’s remarks come amid growing concerns over the rampant plundering of Africa’s mineral resources, which has long deprived nations of vital revenue while fueling conflict and corruption.
His push for a unified global stance signals Nigeria’s intent to lead the charge against this pervasive threat, both at home and on the world stage.
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