The Federal Government has lifted the five-year ban on mining exploration in Zamfara State, imposed to address escalating insecurity in the region. Dr. Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, announced this during a press briefing in Abuja.
The decision follows substantial security improvements, including the neutralization of key bandit leaders and the arrest of Halilu Sububu, a notorious bandit commander. Dr. Alake highlighted Zamfara’s rich deposits of gold, lithium, and copper, emphasizing that the resumption of mining activities would revitalize the economy and boost national revenue.
He noted that the ban, while necessary to curb illegal mining and insecurity, inadvertently created a vacuum that unauthorized miners exploited. With mining now reopened, the government aims to better regulate the sector and ensure its resources contribute to Nigeria’s development.
Dr. Alake also addressed concerns about a recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with France, clarifying that it solely involves technical and financial support for mining development, with no military agreements or loss of resource control.
The Federal Government assured that the lifting of the ban would create jobs and support economic growth while maintaining stringent security measures to safeguard the region.
