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FG Lifts Five-Year Mining Ban in Zamfara, Cites Security Improvements

The Federal Government has lifted the five-year ban on mining activities in Zamfara State, attributing the decision to significant improvements in the region’s security.

Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development, announced the policy shift during a press briefing on Sunday, with his spokesperson, Segun Tomori, confirming the development.

“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 statement read.

Alake highlighted Zamfara’s rich deposits of gold, lithium, and copper as essential for boosting Nigeria’s revenue. He explained that the security risks that prompted the 2019 ban have significantly diminished due to concerted efforts by security operatives, including the capture of notorious bandit commander Halilu Sububu.

“The existential threat to lives and properties that led to the 2019 ban has abated. With the ban lifted, Zamfara’s mining sector can begin contributing to the nation’s revenue pool,” Alake stated.

The minister acknowledged that the initial ban, while necessary, had left a vacuum exploited by illegal miners, causing substantial resource losses. He assured that the lifting of the ban would improve regulation, enhance intelligence gathering, and curb illegal mining activities, ensuring Nigeria benefits from Zamfara’s mineral wealth.

Addressing concerns about a recent Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with France, Alake clarified that the agreement focuses solely on training and capacity building for Nigerian mining professionals, not on ceding control over national resources.

“This is not the first MOU we’ve signed. Similar agreements with Germany and Australia have provided essential technical and financial support to advance our mining industry,” he explained, urging the public to dismiss misinformation.

Alake also praised the media for supporting the ministry’s reforms and encouraged continued collaboration to attract both local and foreign investors to Nigeria’s mining sector.

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