The Federal Government has reaffirmed its ban on mining activities in Zamfara State, issuing a stern warning to illegal miners to immediately vacate all mining sites amid the recent lead poisoning outbreak in Bugundu Local Government Area.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, who made this known in a statement on Tuesday, blamed the outbreak on flagrant disregard for the mining suspension imposed on the state six years ago, insisting that no legal mining activity should be taking place.
Describing the incident as a consequence of regulatory failure, Dr. Alake criticized traditional and local authorities in the state for turning a blind eye to illegal mining operations in their communities.
“Every citizen should obey the laws and regulations established by constituted authorities. Our revered traditional institutions and local authorities, which are funded from the federation accounts, have an even higher responsibility to enforce government directives,” he stated.
“Where they demonstrate wilful negligence and abdicate their responsibilities, they perpetrate a state of anomie with dire consequences, as we are witnessing in this case.”
The Minister revealed that the government is awaiting a report from experts and ministry officials to recommend targeted interventions to prevent future occurrences of such disasters.
While commending the Zamfara State Government for its swift deployment of emergency services to the affected area, Dr. Alake stressed the need for stronger collaboration between the state and federal governments to flush out illegal miners and safeguard public health.
“We must work together to kick out illegal miners from all corners to protect the lives of innocent citizens endangered by the desperation of a few individuals to make money at all costs,” he emphasized.
He further announced that the Ministry would soon unveil comprehensive standard operating procedures (SOPs) to guide the safe and regulated resumption of mining activities in Zamfara. These SOPs, he said, would cover existing license holders, new applicants, community development compliance, and remediation plans.
Dr. Alake also reiterated the Federal Government’s resolve to deploy satellite technology to monitor mining activities nationwide, adding that the initiative WILL help end illegal practices and bring sanity to the solid minerals sector.
The recent lead poisoning incident has renewed concerns about unregulated mining in Nigeria and the need for stricter enforcement and sectoral reforms.
