In an effort aimed at revitalizing the mining sector and addressing security challenges, the Federal Government has announced the lifting of the ban on mining activities in Zamfara State five years after.
This marks a significant policy shift to reclaim the state’s rich mineral resources from illegal miners and bandits while boosting non-oil revenue streams.
Dr. Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, made this declaration during a press briefing on Friday in Abuja, highlighting the critical need for a proactive approach to restore order and harness the state’s abundant mineral wealth.
“The ban imposed in 2019, though well-intentioned to address security concerns, inadvertently created a vacuum in the mining sector. Legitimate miners were driven out, leaving the minefields exposed to illegal operators and bandits,” Dr. Alake stated.
The minister emphasized that the ban, while seeking to sever the link between illegal mining and banditry, ultimately failed to achieve its purpose. Instead, it allowed criminal elements to flourish, plundering minerals such as gold, copper, and lithium resources with enormous revenue potential for the nation.
“At a time when the government is striving to diversify revenue sources, it is unacceptable to watch our nation’s mineral wealth fall prey to illegal miners and fund terrorist activities. This decision will enable us to take full control of the minefields and restore order through strategic oversight and collaboration with security agencies,” he added.
The move is expected to usher in reforms, including the enumeration of artisanal and illegal miners, increased monitoring of minefields, and enhanced intelligence gathering. Dr. Alake noted that the federal government plans to engage licensed miners, ministry officials, and security agencies in a coordinated effort to curtail illegal operations.
“An active minesfield will ensure better supervision and collaboration. It will also allow the Ministry to generate critical intelligence, enabling security agencies to decisively address illegal mining and banditry,” he explained.
Zamfara State, with its vast reserves of gold, copper, and lithium, holds immense economic potential. Dr. Alake stressed that reopening mining operations would not only secure much-needed revenue but also support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to diversifying the economy.
The minister also acknowledged the House of Representatives’ call for a strategic framework to formalize illegal mining activities and ensure that artisanal miners are integrated into the formal economy.
“This policy reversal marks the beginning of a new chapter for Zamfara’s mining sector and our collective fight against insecurity,” Dr. Alake concluded, urging stakeholders to cooperate fully in implementing the government’s agenda.
The lifting of the mining ban sets the stage for increased economic activities, job creation, and improved security in Zamfara State. It signals the government’s determination to reclaim control of the nation’s mineral wealth for the benefit of all Nigerians.
