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After a five-year hiatus, the Federal Government has finally lifted the ban on mining activities in Zamfara State, signaling the end of a long-standing prohibition.
This announcement was made by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, through his spokesperson, Segun Tomori, during a press briefing on Sunday, December 22. The move comes as part of broader efforts to revitalize the mining sector and tackle economic challenges in the region.
“The Federal Government has lifted the ban on mining exploration activities in Zamfara State, citing significant improvements in the security situation across the state,” the statement read.
Alake drew attention to the wealth of minerals that Zamfara State possesses, emphasizing how crucial it is for Nigeria’s economic growth. He remarked, “Zamfara is not just a state rich in gold, lithium, and copper, but a powerful catalyst for Nigeria’s economic resurgence if fully harnessed.”
Alake pointed out that the decision to lift the ban would pave the way for more effective regulation of mining activities in Zamfara, while also bolstering efforts to combat illegal operations through enhanced intelligence. “This will guarantee that Nigeria derives maximum value from the state’s rich mineral resources,” he affirmed.
“The existential threat to lives and properties that led to the 2019 ban has abated. The security operatives’ giant strides have led to a notable reduction in the level of insecurity, and with the ban on exploration lifted, Zamfara’s mining sector can gradually begin contributing to the nation’s revenue pool,” Alake added.
The minister credited recent security successes under the Tinubu administration for enabling the decision. “Since the beginning of the Tinubu administration, intelligence-driven, coordinated security operations have resulted in the neutralization of key bandit commanders, significantly reducing incidents of insecurity. A recent success was the capture of one of the most wanted bandit commanders, Halilu Sububu, in a covert operation in Zamfara.”
Read also: FG Finally Removes Ban On Mining In Zamfara After Five Years
Alake noted that lifting the ban would improve the regulation of mining activities in Zamfara and enhance intelligence gathering to curb illegal mining. “This will ensure the country benefits from the state’s rich mineral resources,” he said.
Alake took a moment to praise the media for their essential part in advancing reforms in the mining sector, acknowledging their success in fostering a cleaner industry and drawing investment. “The fourth estate has been an essential ally in our efforts to cleanse the mining sector and introduce reforms that have made it an attractive space for both local and international investors,” he noted.
Addressing recent concerns about the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with France, Alake clarified the government’s stance. “The agreement does not imply Nigeria is relinquishing control over its mineral resources or entering into any military pact with France,” he said.
“The high point of the MOU is on training and capacity building for our mining professionals. We need all the assistance we can get in terms of capacity, technical, and financial support from abroad, and that wasn’t even the first we are signing. We’ve signed similar ones with Germany and Australia. Deliberate peddling of misinformation, despite facts to the contrary, is uncalled for,” he concluded.
