Federal government (FG) has lifted the ban on mining activities in Zamfara state.
Gatekeepers News reports that federal government had in 2019, banned mining activities and ordered foreigners within mining sites in the state to vacate the area immediately.
Dele Alake, minister of solid minerals development while speaking during a press briefing highlighted “significant improvements in the security situation across the state” as a reason for lifting the ban.
Alake in a statement released on Sunday by Segun Tomori, his special assistant, said Nigeria has a lot to gain from the reawakened economic activities in a highly mineralised state like Zamfara which is imbued with vast gold, lithium, and copper belts.
The minister 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 Zamfara’s potential for contributing to national revenue is “enormous”.
He said, “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 noted that the lifting of the ban would also facilitate better regulation of mining activities in the state.
He said this will enable more effective intelligence gathering to combat illegal mining and ensure the country benefits from the state’s rich mineral resources.
Commending the media for championing the propagation of reforms and initiatives of the ministry in 2024, Alake noted that the press has assisted in sanitising the mining sector and promoting market reforms which have made the industry attractive to indigenous and foreign investors.
Commenting on the recent controversy surrounding the memorandum of understanding (MOU) with France, Alake reaffirmed the federal government’s position that the agreement doesn’t mean the country is relinquishing control over its mineral resources or entering into any military pact with France.
The minister said Nigeria’s military remains fully capable of safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity.
He said, “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.”
Alake urged the media to continue to play its crucial role in educating the public about government policies to prevent ignorance, mischief, and the spread of misinformation.
The minister also hinted at upcoming policy initiatives aimed at revitalising the mining sector in 2025.
Alake said 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.
