3rd December, 2024
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday, in South Africa called for the potential establishment of an anti-illegal mining group among African nations.
Speaking at the 11th Session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Cape Town, the president stressed that the continent’s natural resources should be mined for the betterment of its people, not exploited illegally.
“One thing I would like this edition of the BNC to explore is the possible need to establish an anti-illegal mining group of African nations. Our natural resources are supposed to be mined for the betterment of our people. However, there seems to be a concerted effort flowing in the opposite direction.”
He went on to outline the detrimental effects of illegal mining, which, he said, not only deprives nations of precious income but also fosters instability across the continent.
“Throughout Africa, illegal mining is not only robbing our nations of precious income, which could foster development. Sponsored by powerful outside forces, such mining is fomenting strife, servitude, poverty, environmental degradation, and undermining the writ of legitimate government.”
Tinubu stressed the urgency of addressing this issue, describing illegal mining as a form of “inland piracy” that cannot be allowed to undermine the continent’s aspirations.
“We cannot allow this inland piracy to become a scourge to our good and healthy designs for our people. South Africa and Nigeria should and must take the lead in placing this issue before the global community and in resolving it for the good of our continent and its people,” he said.
The president also addressed Nigeria’s growing partnership with South Africa and reiterated the importance of strengthening Africa’s presence on the global stage.
As South Africa assumed the presidency of the G20, he called on both nations to leverage this leadership role for the advancement of the continent.
“Nigeria would like to join South Africa and the African Union in the G20 so as to strengthen the African voice in the group and globally. We urge that the position be leveraged for the development of our continent.”
Tinubu underscored the importance of collaboration between Nigeria and South Africa, calling for a shared vision that would foster prosperity and development across Africa.
He referred to the relationship between the two nations as a model of leadership, one that could inspire a brighter and greater future for the continent.
“This high-level strategic partnership between South Africa and Nigeria must become a model of leadership and shared vision that will inspire and take our people into a brighter and greater future of prosperity and development, an Africa That We Want.”
The president’s address also touched on the long-standing and historic relationship between the two nations, noting Nigeria’s role in supporting South Africa during the struggle against apartheid.
Tinubu reaffirmed that both countries would continue to stand together in the pursuit of democratic values, non-discrimination, and good governance.
The session further discussed a variety of issues, including youth development, economic integration, and the role of both countries in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), with Tinubu emphasising the importance of addressing challenges to ensure the success of these initiatives.
“The continent looks up to us, and we cannot afford to fail them. Together, we can act as engines of economic integration and development in our respective sub-regions as well as on the continent,” he said.
Tinubu reiterated the importance of maintaining unity and staying focused on Africa’s collective development, while also recognising the challenges that their partnership may face.
“Let us remain strongly united on purpose,” he said, encouraging all present to work towards transforming the continent’s narrative and ensuring a prosperous future for all Africans.
The 11th Session of the BNC marks a significant step in furthering Nigeria and South Africa’s collaboration, with a shared commitment to addressing key challenges and promoting economic and social development across Africa.
