The federal government has lifted the ban on mining exploration in Zamfara State, citing improved security in the area.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development Dr Dele Alake, who announced this during a press conference in Abuja at the weekend, said this move followed marked improvements in the security situation in the
President Muhammadu Buhari had placed the ban in 2019 due to heightened insecurity in Zamfara State.
Alake stated that the nation had much to gain from reawakened economic activities in a highly mineralised state like Zamfara, imbued with vast gold, Lithium, and copper belts.
He stated that the previous ban, though a sound idea given the situation at the time, 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 was enormous.
Alake said: “Since the beginning of the Tinubu administration, however, intelligence-driven, coordinated security operations have resulted in the neutralisation 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.”
The minister added that lifting the ban would also facilitate better regulation of mining activities in the state. He said this would enable more effective intelligence gathering to combat illegal mining and ensure the country benefits from the state’s rich mineral resources.
LEADERSHIP recalls that illegal mining operations had also adversely affected the Zamfara state’s ecology, leading to lead poisoning that caused the deaths of about 400 children in 2010.
The minister also lauded press members for being key allies in sanitising the mining sector and promoting market reforms that 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 said 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 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 stated.
Dr. Alake also urged the media to continue to play a crucial role in educating the public about government policies to prevent ignorance, mischief, and the spread of misinformation.
For 2025, the minister hinted at upcoming policy initiatives to revitalise the mining sector.
He revealed that the ministry plans to consolidate reforms further, enhance the enabling environment for investments, and continue efforts to reposition the industry for long-term, sustainable growth.
