The Federal Government through the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, has lifted the ban on mineral exploration in Zamfara State which was previously imposed due to security concerns.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, said the lifting of the ban came after a thorough review on the security situation in the state, hence, relevant agencies can begin licensing to legitimate mining operators.
It would be called that in 2019, the federal government ordered the suspension of all mining activities in Zamfara State with immediate effect, amid concerns that illegal miners were connected to the surge in bandits’ operations.
Alake highlighted crucial government actions, including intelligence gathering and security formations in collaboration with the National Security Adviser (NSA); stating that the federal government is ready to resume activities and ensure the protection of lives and properties in the state.
He stated: “This policy that we are reversing today came as a result of some serious security concerns with relevance to the solid minerals sector.
“However, the security situation in the state has been reviewed and henceforth the ban is now lifted and the relevant agencies can begin to licence legitimate operators for mining the minerals in the state.”
“The concomitant result was the colossal loss of revenue to the affected communities, local government, the state and the Federal Government as legitimate miners were forced to shut down operations.
“It is also not unlikely that such actions let illegitimate miners take over noting that once there is a ban, legal miners obey regulations while illegal miners take advantage.
“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.
“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.”
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 emphasized 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 emphasized.
Looking ahead to 2025, the Minister highlighted the 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.
