The Federal Government of Nigeria has lifted the ban on mining exploration in Zamfara State, marking the end of a five-year restriction on the state’s rich mineral resources.
The ban, initially imposed to curb the link between illegal mining and rising insecurity, has been a contentious issue for a region endowed with vast deposits of gold and other minerals.
Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja on Sunday, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, announced the decision. He explained that the move reflects a strategic shift aimed at balancing the region’s economic potential with its security challenges.
“Zamfara’s mineral wealth, particularly gold, is a significant economic asset, but unregulated mining has fueled violence and insecurity,” Alake stated.
Over the years, illegal mining operations in Zamfara have been linked to armed groups, funding their activities and intensifying banditry in the region. The lifting of the ban signals a renewed commitment to regulate mining activities, harness economic benefits, and restore peace to the area.
The Federal Government’s decision is expected to usher in a new era of structured mining operations, ensuring that the state’s mineral wealth contributes to national development without compromising security.
