The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially lifted the five-year ban on mining activities in Zamfara State.
This announcement was made during a press conference on Sunday by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, who was represented by Segun Tomori.
The decision to remove the ban was reportedly driven by notable improvements in the security situation across the region.
Minister Alake emphasized that revitalizing mining in Zamfara, a state rich in resources such as gold, lithium, and copper, presents a significant opportunity to boost Nigeria’s economy.
He acknowledged that while the initial ban, imposed in 2019, was intended to address severe security concerns, it inadvertently allowed illegal mining activities to thrive, resulting in the loss of valuable national resources.
“Zamfara has the potential to significantly contribute to national revenue,” Alake stated.
He further elaborated that the existential threat to lives and property, which initially justified the ban, had substantially diminished.
Alake commended the efforts of security operatives, whose achievements have significantly reduced the level of insecurity in the state.
“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,” he added.
Highlighting the success of coordinated security operations under the Tinubu administration, Alake noted the capture of a notorious bandit commander, Halilu Sububu, during a covert operation in Zamfara as a key victory.
He credited intelligence-driven strategies for neutralizing several key bandit commanders, paving the way for a safer environment conducive to mining activities.
The minister also emphasized that lifting the ban would help facilitate better regulation of mining activities in Zamfara State.
He explained that improved oversight would enable the government to gather actionable intelligence, curtail illegal mining, and ensure that the state’s rich mineral resources contribute meaningfully to national development.
Alake commended members of the press for their role in championing reforms and initiatives aimed at sanitizing the mining sector and making it attractive to both indigenous and foreign investors.
“Members of the fourth estate of the realm have been key allies in efforts to sanitize the mining sector and promote market reforms,” he stated.
Speaking on the recent controversy surrounding the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with France, the minister reaffirmed that the agreement does not compromise Nigeria’s control over its mineral resources.
He dispelled claims that the MOU implied a military pact with France, clarifying that it primarily focuses on training and capacity-building initiatives for mining professionals in Nigeria.
“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,” Alake explained.
He also pointed out that similar agreements had previously been signed with Germany and Australia.
Alake criticized the spread of misinformation regarding the MOU, calling it uncalled for and urging stakeholders to rely on verified facts.
The lifting of the ban marks a turning point for Zamfara State, opening the doors to regulated exploration of its vast mineral deposits while addressing the security and economic challenges posed by illegal mining.
The government expressed optimism that the move would usher in an era of transparency and accountability, benefiting both the state and the nation at large.
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