Five Years After, FG Lifts Ban On Mineral Exploration In Zamfara State
After over five years of security restriction, the Federal Government has lifted the ban on mining exploration activities in Zamfara State.
The government’s lifting of the ban followed what it described as ‘significant improvements’ in the security situation across the state.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, who announced this at a press conference, 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 good intentioned, inadvertently created a vacuum exploited by illegal miners to fleece the nation of its resources, adding that the state has enormous potential for contributing to national revenue.
The federal government had in 2019, imposed a total ban on mining activities in Zamfara State due to the escalating security concerns, particularly the links between banditry and illegal mining.
Alake said that since the beginning of the Tinubu administration, intelligence-driven and coordinated security operations have resulted in the neutralization of key bandit commanders, thereby significantly reducing incidents of insecurity.
In the words of Alake; “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,” he said.
The minister also said that the lifting of the ban would further facilitate better regulation of mining activities in the state, adding that it would enable more effective intelligence gathering to combat illegal mining and ensure the country benefits from the state’s rich mineral resources.
He commended the media for championing the propagation of reforms and initiatives of the ministry in 2024, noting that the press has 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 controversy surrounding the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Federal Government and France, Alake explained that the agreement does not imply Nigeria is relinquishing control over its mineral resources or entering into any military pact with France.
The minister emphasized that Nigeria’s military remains fully capable of safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity, adding that the high point of the MOU was on training and capacity building for our mining professionals.
He further said; “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 have signed similar ones with Germany and Australia. “Deliberate peddling of misinformation, despite facts to the contrary, is uncalled for,” he stressed.
Alake therefore 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.
Alake said 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.
