Nigerian Government lifts ban on mineral exploration in Zamfara

*Dr. Oladele Alake, Minister for Solid Minerals Development, affirms the Nigerian Government appreciates the notable reduction in the level of insecurity in Zamfara State, stating with the lifting of ban on exploration, the state’s mining sector, among others, can gradually begin to contribute to the country’s revenue pool

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

Following several years of security restriction, the Federal Government has lifted the ban on mining exploration activities in Zamfara State, North-East Nigeria.

ConsumerConnect reports the Nigerian Government has attributed the development to apparent significant improvements in the security situation across the state.

Dr. Oladele Alake, Honourable Minister for Solid Minerals Development, announced this development during a media briefing at the weekend, in Abuja, FCT.

Alake stated that the West African country has a lot to gain from reawakened economic activities in a highly mineralised state like Zamfara State that is imbued with vast gold, lithium, and copper belts.

The Minister also noted that the previous ban, which was good intentioned, inadvertently created a vacuum exploited by illegal miners to fleece Nigeria of its resources.

He equally emphasised that the state’s potential for contributing to national revenue is enormous.

It is recalled the Federal Government, in 2019, had imposed a total ban on mining activities in the North-West state due to the escalating security concerns, particularly the links between banditry and illegal mining in the axis.

According to the government, since the beginning of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration, however, intelligence-driven, coordinated security operations have resulted in the “neutralisation of key bandit commanders, significantly reducing incidents of insecurity.”

The Ministry observed that a recent success was the capture of Halilu Sububu, one of the most wanted bandit commanders, in a covert operation in Zamfara State.

Mr. Segun Tomori, Special Assistant to the Minister on Media, in a statement, also noted Dr.  Alake said: “The existential threat to lives and property 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.”

The Minister as well explained the lifting of the ban would also facilitate better regulation of mining activities in the state. This will enable more effective intelligence gathering to combat illegal mining and ensure the country benefits from the state’s rich mineral resources, stated he.

Commending members of the fourth estate of the realm for championing the propagation of reforms and initiatives of the ministry in 2024, Alake equally affirmed that the media have been key allies in the government’s efforts at sanitising the mining sector of the economy, and promoting market reforms which have made the industry attractive to indigenous and foreign investors.

Alake further spoke on the recent controversy surrounding the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with France during President Tinubu’s state visit to the European country.

The statement noted the Minister 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 country’s territorial integrity.

He also stated: “The highpoint 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.”

Alake disclosed “we’ve signed similar ones with Germany and Australia.

“Deliberate peddling of misinformation, despite facts to the contrary, is uncalled for.”

The Minister, 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.

Looking ahead to 2025, Alake hinted at upcoming policy initiatives aimed at revitalising the mining sector.

The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development plans to further consolidate reforms, enhance the enabling environment for investments, and continue efforts to reposition the sector for long-term, sustainable growth, stated the Minister.

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