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The Federal Government has officially removed the prohibition on mining operations in Zamfara State, five years after its implementation.
The latest development was confirmed during a press conference by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, represented by Segun Tomori, on Sunday.
The statement indicated that the Federal Government’s decision to lift the ban on mining exploration in Zamfara State was based on notable improvements in the security landscape throughout the region.
Alake remarked that Nigeria stands to benefit significantly from revitalized economic activities in a mineral-rich state like Zamfara, which is abundant in gold, lithium, and copper resources.
He further clarified that while the initial ban was well-intentioned, it inadvertently created a gap that illegal miners exploited, resulting in the loss of national resources.
Additionally, he highlighted the substantial potential of the state to enhance national revenue.
“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.
“Since the beginning of the Tinubu administration, however, 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,” Alake stated.
To Alake, lifting the ban would also facilitate better regulation of mining activities in the state.
He said this would enable more effective intelligence gathering to combat illegal mining and ensure the country benefits from the state’s rich mineral resources.
“Commending members of the fourth estate of the realm for championing the propagation of reforms and initiatives of the ministry in 2024, Alake noted that the press have been key allies in efforts to sanitise the mining sector and promote market reforms which have made the industry attractive to indigenous and foreign investors.
“On the recent controversy surrounding the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with France, Alake reaffirmed the Federal Government’s position that the agreement does not imply Nigeria is relinquishing control over its mineral resources or entering into any military pact with France.
“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 added.
