The Federal Government of Nigeria has entered a strategic partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to enhance the country’s fight against terrorism financing and money laundering linked to the solid minerals sector.
This development was announced by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, during a meeting with UNODC officials at his office in Abuja. According to a statement from his media aide, Segun Tomori, the initiative is supported by funding from the Canadian government.
Dr. Alake explained that the project aims to boost the capacity of Nigeria’s criminal justice system in identifying, investigating, and prosecuting financial crimes connected to conflict financing and illicit mining activities. He emphasized that the collaboration aligns with ongoing federal efforts to eliminate illegal mining and disrupt criminal networks exploiting the nation’s mineral resources.
Speaking during the meeting, Mr. Tom Parker, UNODC’s Project Coordinator for Counter-Terrorism, applauded Nigeria’s recent steps—particularly the creation of the Mining Marshals—to combat illegal mining. He affirmed that UNODC will work closely with the ministry to implement the project successfully.
The initiative is expected to play a critical role in addressing security threats and ensuring better governance of Nigeria’s mineral wealth.
