In a significant move to revitalise Nigeria’s economy, the Federal Government has announced the lifting of the mining exploration ban in Zamfara State after more than five years.
The decision, made public by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, is a direct result of improved security in the region.
In April 2019, the government imposed a total ban on mining activities in Zamfara State due to escalating security challenges, particularly the links between illegal mining and banditry. The measure was designed to restore peace in the state and address the growing threat posed by criminal gangs.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Dr. Alake highlighted the importance of the mining sector to Nigeria’s economy, noting that Zamfara, which is rich in gold, lithium, and copper, has vast untapped potential.
“The ban, while necessary, created a vacuum that illegal miners exploited, robbing the nation of valuable resources,” he said. “Now that security has improved, it is time to allow responsible mining to resume.”
The Minister explained that the lifting of the ban would enable better regulation of mining activities in Zamfara.
“With a more coordinated approach to security and mining regulation, the state can begin contributing significantly to Nigeria’s national revenue,” he added.
The previous ban, though well-intended, left the state vulnerable to illegal activities, with miners operating unchecked. Alake stressed that the government’s new approach aims to bring order to the sector and ensure that the country benefits from Zamfara’s mineral wealth.
Security improvements have been driven by the Tinubu administration’s strategic operations. The military and other security agencies have reduced incidents of banditry by neutralising several key criminal figures. One of the most notable successes was the capture of notorious bandit leader Halilu Sububu in a covert operation in Zamfara.
“The existential threat that led to the 2019 ban has now abated,” Alake asserted. “Thanks to intelligence-driven security operations, the level of insecurity has drastically reduced, and this provides a conducive environment for the mining sector to thrive once again.”
The lifting of the ban also brings the opportunity for better intelligence gathering and stronger enforcement against illegal mining practices.
“Illegal mining has long been a major challenge, but with the lifting of the ban, we now have the opportunity to regulate the sector more effectively,” Alake said. “This will ensure that Nigeria reaps the benefits of its rich natural resources.”
As part of the government’s ongoing efforts to transform the mining sector, Dr. Alake also commended the media for its role in raising awareness about reforms in the industry. He credited journalists with helping to promote necessary changes that have made the mining sector more attractive to both local and international investors.
“We appreciate the media for their role in shaping public perception and ensuring that reforms in the mining sector reach the people,” he said.
However, recent controversies over Nigeria’s Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with France were also addressed. Critics had raised concerns that the agreement could result in the country losing control of its mineral resources or becoming involved in a military alliance with France.
Dr. Alake rejected these claims, reiterating that the MOU was focused solely on training and capacity building for Nigeria’s mining professionals.
“The MOU does not imply any loss of control over our resources,” he said. “Nigeria’s military is fully capable of defending our national interests, and our sovereignty remains intact.”
He also pointed out that similar agreements had been signed with other countries, including Germany and Australia, as part of the effort to enhance Nigeria’s mining capacity.
“The MOU is purely about training and gaining the technical and financial support needed to improve our mining sector,” Alake emphasised. “Spreading misinformation about these agreements is harmful and unhelpful.”
Looking towards the future, Alake revealed that the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development plans to introduce further reforms in 2025 to continue driving the sector’s growth.
“We are committed to consolidating the progress we’ve made and creating an enabling environment that encourages more investment in the mining sector,” he said.
The Ministry will focus on sustainable growth, ensuring that the sector benefits both the government and local communities while promoting responsible environmental practices.
“The reforms we’re working on will ensure that Nigeria’s mining industry becomes a global model for excellence,” Alake concluded.
Zamfara State, located in Nigeria’s north-western region, is one of the country’s most mineral-rich areas, with significant deposits of gold, copper, and lithium. However, the state has long been plagued by insecurity, with bandits and criminal groups engaging in illegal mining activities and causing significant harm to the local economy and communities.
In 2019, in response to rising security threats, the Federal Government imposed a ban on mining activities in Zamfara and surrounding areas. This decision was intended to curb the growing links between illegal mining and banditry, which had become a major concern for national security.
Over the past few years, security in the region has improved significantly due to coordinated efforts by the military and other security agencies. With these improvements, the government has now deemed it safe to lift the ban, paving the way for legal mining activities to resume and contribute to Nigeria’s economy.
The lifting of the ban is seen as a vital step towards revitalising the mining sector and increasing Nigeria’s mineral exports, which are expected to play a major role in diversifying the country’s economy away from its dependence on oil.
