EFCC Warns Against Traditional Rulers’ Involvement In Illegal Mining Schemes

EFCC Warns Against Traditional Rulers’ Involvement In Illegal Mining Schemes

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has accused certain traditional rulers of collaborating with illegal miners. The anti-corruption agency expressed its concern, highlighting that these monarchs continue to engage in such activities despite the detrimental effects on their communities and the nation as a whole……CONTINUE READING

EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, made this revelation on Tuesday in Abuja during the two-day inaugural International Anti-Corruption and Climate Change Conference. The event was organized by the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) in partnership with Hawkmoth and supported by the MacArthur Foundation.

Olukoyede warned, “When we talk about environmental degradation, the impact of illegal mining, if unchecked, will be far worse in the next five years than the damage caused by oil and gas exploration.”

He emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “Illegal mining is a significant issue we’re facing. The environmental destruction it causes is alarming, and it’s not just driven by foreigners—our own people, often with the support of traditional rulers, are heavily involved.”

Olukoyede also addressed the environmental devastation in the Niger Delta, noting that corruption, rather than natural causes, is largely responsible for the region’s oil spills and pollution. “The Niger Delta today is plagued by oil spills, pollution, and ecological damage. These issues are deeply rooted in corruption, not just natural events,” he added.