The Niger State Government has granted a total of 578 mineral titles following the lifting of its mining ban, with gold accounting for 369, or 81.5%, of the titles.
The ban on mining activities was initially imposed due to the rising cases of mine collapses, banditry, and terrorism in the state, which resulted in numerous deaths, abductions, and the killing of security personnel.
Acting Governor Yakubu Garba announced the issuance of the gold mining titles during the inauguration of a task force aimed at combating illegal mining.
Garba outlined the operational conditions for mining companies in the state, stating that they must approach the State Ministry of Mineral Resources for profiling. This process is designed to address security concerns and minimise revenue losses.
Garba emphasised, “The state hereby suspends the ban on mining activities. This will enable us to address the issue of banditry in the state and also reduce revenue losses. Companies willing to do business in the state must approach the State Ministry of Mineral Resources for profiling.”
The profiling process will allow the state government to monitor mining activities, enforce compliance with regulations, and prevent illegal mining.
The newly formed mining task force includes representatives from government agencies, security forces, and community leaders. Its responsibilities include identifying illegal miners, eradicating child labour at mining sites, and verifying the mineral titles of licence holders in the state.
Munya, Rafi, and Shiroro Local Government Areas, known for having the largest gold deposits in Niger State, have also been identified as hotspots for banditry. The state government attributed the increase in banditry in these areas to mining activities, which led to the original ban a year ago.
