After more than five years of security restriction, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the lifting of the ban on mining exploration activities in Zamfara State.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake who disclosed this at the weekend in Abuja said the decision was informed by the significant improvements in the security situation across the state.
Federal government in April 2019 announced a total ban on mining activities in Zamfara state and its environs due to the escalating security concerns, particularly the links between banditry and illegal mining, as well as a measures to restore peace to the state.
Addressing newsmen on the new development, Alake 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.
Admitting that the previous ban was good intentioned, the Minister noted that the policy however 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 minister noted that through intelligence-driven and coordinated security operations the Tinubu administration has significantly reduce incidents of insecurity by neutralising key bandits commanders.
He cited the recent capture of one of the most wanted bandit commanders, Halilu Sububu, in a covert operation in Zamfara.
“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 asserted.
The minister added that the lifting of the ban would also facilitate better regulation of mining activities in the state.
Read Also: Customs critical to achieving N35tr revenue in 2025 budget – Edun
This will 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.
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, “the minister emphasised.
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.
Looking ahead to 2025, the minister hinted at upcoming policy initiatives aimed at revitalizing the mining sector.
He revealed that the ministry plans to further consolidate reforms, enhance the enabling environment for investments, and continue efforts to reposition the sector for long-term, sustainable growth.