ABUJA, Nov. 22 (Xinhua) -- The Nigerian government on Friday said efforts are ongoing to create special courts where illegal miners in the country will be prosecuted.
The courts will be established in each of the regions in the country to specially handle cases of illegal mining, which is a common practice here, the minister of state for mines and steel development, Uchechukwu Ogah, told reporters in the southeastern state of Anambra.
"Once this court is established, if you are caught engaging in illegal mining, there will be no fine. Anybody that is caught will be sent to prison," Ogah said.
According to him, Nigeria, Africa's largest economy, has over 25 mineral deposits with the potential of causing an economic turnaround for the country to achieve its desired growth.
However, illegal mining activities, as well as corruption, were among factors adversely affecting the country's economic development, the official said.
Whilst the government is not stopping anyone from going into mining activities, Ogah said the aim of the government was for due process to be followed and mining licenses obtained from relevant authorities.
"And royalty should also be paid to the federal government to enable it to meet its responsibility of providing infrastructure across the federation," he added.
