On Monday, August 26, 2024, Acting Governor Yakubu Garba announced the lifting of the ban on mining activities in Niger State. This announcement was made at the council chamber of Government House, Minna, during the inauguration of an 18-man task force aimed at addressing illegal mining and environmental degradation.
Garba expressed concern over the ongoing illegal mining activities across the state, noting that despite government efforts, compliance has remained low.
The Acting Governor highlighted the importance of the mining industry for economic growth but explained that the environmental damage caused by illegal mining had led the government to suspend mining activities temporarily.
“We are confident that the task force will enforce regulations by ensuring responsible mining practices across the state, and we promise to fully support them.
“To you, the selected members of the committee, we entrust you with significant responsibilities to protect our environment, to show fairness and just practices, and to secure Niger State’s future,” Garba said.
He revealed that before the ban on mining, 880 registered mining companies have legal status in the state. They are made up of 578 companies and 302 cooperatives. However, only 261 have updated their profile with the Ministry of Mineral Resources.
The Task Force includes the SSG as Chairman, the Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Alh. Sabo Yahaya as Co-Chairman, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mohammed Yunusa Nahauni, as Secretary.
The Commissioner for Homeland Security, Commissioner of Police, Director of DSS, Commandant of NSCDC, Commandant of Vigilante, all 25 Council Chairmen, Secretaries of all 8 Emirate Councils, and representatives from the State Assembly and Judiciary are all part of the team.
The terms of reference for the task force include monitoring, identifying, and reporting illegal mining sites in Niger State; monitoring, identifying, and reporting child labour at mining sites; and reporting security challenges in mining host communities.
Additionally, the task force will identify the types of mineral titles held by companies, determine compliance with mining laws, and examine other matters related to the successful implementation of their assignments.
