FG lifts ban on mining in Zamfara after five years

The Federal Government of Nigeria, on Sunday, officially lifted the ban on mining exploration in Zamfara State, five years after a region known for its vast mineral resources and history of artisanal mining was banned from mining activities.

The decision comes after a protracted period of restriction imposed to address the nexus between illegal mining activities and escalating insecurity in the state.

Zamfara’s mineral wealth, particularly in gold, has been both a blessing and a challenge.
While the region holds significant potential for economic development, unregulated mining activities have contributed to a surge in violence.

The minister of Solid Minerals development, Dele Alake, disclosed this in Abuja, during a press briefing, said that the decision to lift the ban signifies a shift in approach, balancing economic priorities with security concerns.

Illegal mining operations in Zamfara were reportedly linked to armed groups, providing funding and exacerbating banditry in the region.

The ban, implemented in 2019, was part of a broader strategy to sever these ties and stabilize the region. While it curtailed some illegal operations, the restriction also disrupted legitimate mining businesses and hindered the state’s economic growth.

Alake also reiterated its commitment to formalizing mining operations, aiming to curtail illegal activities and maximize revenue.

He said that 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.

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

He emphasized that the state’s potential for contributing to national revenue is enormous.
“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.”

Alake noted that the press have 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 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 emphasized that Nigeria’s military remains fully capable of safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity.

He added, “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 also 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.
Also, alilu Sububu, in a covert operation in Zamfara, said that since the beginning of the Tinubu administration, however, intelligence-driven, coordinated security operations have resulted in the neutralization of key bandit commanders, significantly reducing incidents of insecurity. A recent success was the capture of one of the most wanted bandit commanders.

Looking ahead to 2025, the minister hinted at upcoming policy initiatives aimed at revitalizing the mining sector.

He revealed 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.