ASM is a backbone of Nigeria’s mining workforce but a sector characterised by informality. Estimates vary: historical literature suggests direct employment figures for ASM in Nigeria range between roughly 400,000 and 2 million people depending on methodology and year. The uncertainty itself is a problem for policy — and a direct opportunity for ASMMMON to operationalise formalisation pathways that preserve livelihoods while improving safety, traceability, and market access. Artisanal Mining+1
ASMMMON’s pragmatic ASM agenda should include:
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Cooperative formation and registration support. Cooperatives make it easier to procure capital, buy equipment, and access extension services. ASMMMON should implement a “cooperative kit” (bylaws template, registration checklist, tax/royalty advisory, and EHS baseline assessment tool).
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Technical upskilling and mechanisation pathways. Provide tiered training modules: (a) safety and basic geology/agronomy for miners; (b) business management and bookkeeping for cooperative leaders; and (c) mechanised processing training for cooperative service centres. Partner with universities, polytechnics and donor programmes for certification.
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Simplified licensing and micro-permits. Work with state mining offices to pilot micro-licence regimes that allow small operators to formalise with minimal paperwork and fees while committing to environmental and safety standards. Formalisation reduces illegal markets and increases state revenue transparency.
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Health and environmental mitigation programmes. Deploy low-cost cyanide and mercury-management messaging (where applicable), erosion control practices, and reclamation incentives (small grants for compliant reclamation work).
Why formalisation matters: it is the bridge between subsistence extraction and commercially viable, safe businesses. Formalisation unlocks credit, improves bargaining power, and reduces criminal exploitation of informal miners. NEITI and Ministry audits highlight gaps in reporting and governance that can be addressed by bringing ASM into cooperatives and formal supply chains. neiti.gov.ng
