The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially lifted the five-year ban on mining activities in Zamfara State. This decision was announced by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja.
The ban, initially imposed in 2019 due to high levels of insecurity in the region, aimed to curb illegal mining and violence linked to armed groups. However, the government now believes the security situation in Zamfara has significantly improved, allowing for the resumption of mining exploration.
“The Federal Government has lifted the ban on mining exploration activities in Zamfara State, citing significant improvements in the security situation across the state,” the minister’s statement read.
Zamfara is known for its vast deposits of gold, lithium, and copper, which are critical to the country’s economic potential. According to Alake, the earlier ban created opportunities for illegal miners to exploit these resources, depriving the nation of substantial revenue.
The minister emphasized that security forces have made commendable progress in restoring safety. “The existential threat to lives and properties that led to the 2019 ban has abated,” he said. He also noted that recent operations under President Tinubu’s administration have neutralized key bandit leaders, including the capture of notorious commander Halilu Sububu.
