Monday, December 23, 2024 - The Federal Government has lifted the ban on mining activities in Zamfara State, ending a five-year prohibition.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, through his
representative Segun Tomori, announced the decision during a press briefing on
Sunday, December 22.
“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 highlighted the state’s mineral wealth, stating, “Nigeria 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.”
He explained that while the initial ban was well-intentioned, it had
unintended consequences. “The previous ban, which was well-intentioned,
inadvertently created a vacuum exploited by illegal miners to fleece the nation
of its resources,” he said. Alake emphasized Zamfara’s potential to contribute
significantly to 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,” 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.”
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.
Commending the media for their role in promoting reforms in the mining
sector, Alake acknowledged their contribution to sanitizing the industry and
attracting investors. “Members of the fourth estate of the realm 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.”
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.
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