December 22, (THEWILL) – The Federal Government on Sunday, lifted the ban on mining activities in Zamfara State.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, who announced this during a press briefing in Abuja, said the decision signifies a shift in approach, balancing economic priorities with security concerns.
THEWILL reports that the lifting of the ban comes five years after the restriction was imposed to address the nexus between illegal mining activities and escalating insecurity in the state.
Illegal mining operations in Zamfara were reportedly linked to armed groups, providing funding and exacerbating banditry in the region.
The ban, implemented in 2019, was part of a broader strategy to sever these ties and stabilize the region.
While it curtailed some illegal operations, the restriction also disrupted legitimate mining businesses and hindered the state’s economic growth.
Alake however reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to formalizing mining operations, aiming to curtail illegal activities and maximize revenue.
He said the nation has a lot to gain from reawakened economic activities in a highly mineralised state like Zamfara that is imbued with vast gold, Lithium, and copper belts.
Alake noted that the previous ban, which was well-intentioned, inadvertently created a vacuum exploited by illegal miners to fleece the nation of its resources.
He emphasised that the state’s potential for contributing to national revenue is enormous.
“The lifting of the ban would also facilitate better regulation of mining activities in the state.
“This will enable more effective intelligence gathering to combat illegal mining and ensure the country benefits from the state’s rich mineral resources,” he said.
On the recent controversy surrounding the Memorandum of Understanding 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.
He emphasised that Nigeria’s military remains fully capable of safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity.
“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 said.
Alake also urged the media to continue to play its crucial role in educating the public about government policies in order to prevent ignorance, mischief, and the spread of misinformation.
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