Oluwafunbi Bello 
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr Dele Alake
LAGOS, Nigeria – A new investigative report has uncovered extensive abuses by Chinese mining operators exploiting regulatory weaknesses to extract Nigeria’s mineral resources with minimal accountability, leaving host communities impoverished and environmentally vulnerable.
Released by the Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI) on Thursday, the report titled Silent Conquest: The Chinese Infiltration of Nigeria’s Solid Minerals Sector documents activities across Zamfara, Nasarawa, Niger, Cross River, Kwara, Ogun, Abia, and Akwa Ibom.
RDI Executive Director Philip Jakpor warned that insufficient oversight has enabled foreign dominance. “The solid minerals sector holds potential comparable to oil and gas,” he said. “But opacity in operations allows foreign players to extract resources without responsibility, abandoning host communities with nothing.”
The investigation highlights Chinese operations mining gold, lithium, and transition metals — many allegedly operating outside regulatory frameworks. The findings suggest that weak enforcement has allowed illegal operators to flourish.
Jakpor acknowledged interventions by the EFCC and NSCDC, which have arrested unlicensed miners, but cautioned that deeper governance failures persist. The report also raises concerns about security agencies allegedly shielding illegal mining sites and potential links between unauthorised extraction and terrorism financing.
Co-author Samuel Orovwuje described the report as a call to action. “What began as inquiry exposed systemic governance failures, foreign incursions, and weakening state authority,” he said. “Our goal is reform, not sensationalism.”
The research draws on field investigations, policy reviews, and eyewitness testimonies from affected communities.
The RDI team hopes the evidence will push the government towards transparency reforms and strengthen institutions protecting Nigeria’s mineral wealth — drawing parallels to the environmental disasters once ignored in the Niger Delta.
About the Author
Otamere Gladness 
Oluwatobi Adu 
Juliet Jacob