The Niger State Government has announced a conditional suspension of its ban on mining activities, which was initially imposed a year ago by Governor Umaru Bago. The ban, which was put in place to curb insecurity and regulate the sector more effectively, has now been lifted under strict conditions. Acting Governor Yakubu Garba made this announcement during a press briefing held at the Government House in Minna, the state capital. The decision marks a significant shift in the state’s approach to mining, with an emphasis on ensuring security and proper regulation.
The acting governor laid out specific conditions that mining companies must meet to resume operations in Niger State. One of the key requirements is for all mining companies to register with the State Ministry of Mineral Resources. This registration process will involve profiling each company to ensure they are operating within the legal framework set by the government. Governor Garba stressed that this step is crucial for keeping track of mining activities, maintaining oversight, and ensuring that operators comply with existing regulations. By profiling mining companies, the state aims to prevent illegal mining, reduce revenue losses, and enhance security in mining areas.
In a bid to further regulate the sector and address the challenges that led to the ban, the state government has also inaugurated a dedicated task force to combat illegal mining. This task force is composed of representatives from various government agencies, security forces, and local community leaders. Their responsibilities include identifying and shutting down illegal mining operations, eradicating the use of child labor in mining sites, and verifying the types of mineral titles held by licensed operators. This multi-stakeholder approach is designed to ensure that mining activities are conducted legally and ethically, benefiting the state and its residents.
The formation of this task force comes against the backdrop of concerning statistics from the mining sector in Niger State. According to data from the mining cadastre office, a total of 578 mineral titles have been issued to operators within the state. Of these, a significant majority—369 titles, or approximately 81.46 percent—are for gold mining. The areas of Shiroro, Munya, and Rafi local government regions are particularly rich in gold deposits. However, these areas have also become hotbeds of banditry and criminal activities, which the state government believes are linked to the mining operations.
The state’s decision to impose the mining ban last year was largely influenced by the escalating insecurity in these gold-rich areas. Governor Bago’s administration identified a direct correlation between the mining activities and the rise in banditry, which has plagued Shiroro, Munya, and Rafi, leading to loss of lives, displacement of residents, and disruption of economic activities. The presence of valuable minerals like gold has attracted not only legitimate businesses but also illegal miners and criminal gangs, who exploit the resources without regard for laws or the welfare of the local communities.
By suspending the ban, the Niger State Government is taking a balanced approach to harnessing the state’s mineral resources while addressing the security concerns that prompted the initial restrictions. Acting Governor Garba highlighted the importance of mining to the state’s economy but emphasized that it must be done responsibly and in a manner that does not compromise the safety and security of the residents. The conditional lifting of the ban is intended to encourage responsible mining practices that contribute to the state’s development without exacerbating existing security challenges.
To further ensure the safety and sustainability of mining operations, the government is also focusing on community involvement and awareness. By involving community leaders in the task force, the state aims to build trust and cooperation between local residents and the authorities. This collaboration is expected to enhance the effectiveness of the task force in monitoring mining activities, reporting illegal operations, and ensuring that the benefits of mining are shared equitably among the communities.
In conclusion, the conditional suspension of the mining ban in Niger State represents a strategic move by the government to balance economic interests with security and regulatory concerns. By imposing strict conditions on mining operations and establishing a task force to monitor compliance.
