Niger State gov’t lifts mining ban, introduces new conditions
The Niger State Government has conditionally lifted its year-long ban on mining activities, initially imposed by Governor Umaru Bago.
Acting Governor Yakubu Garba announced this significant decision at the Government House in Minna, detailing new requirements for mining companies wishing to operate in the state.
To promote security and minimise revenue losses, Garba stated that all mining companies must first approach the State Ministry of Mineral Resources for a profiling process.
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This initiative aims to enhance oversight of mining activities, ensure adherence to regulations, and eliminate illegal mining practices.
In addition to these new conditions, the acting governor has also established a task force dedicated to addressing illegal mining across the state.
The task force, comprising representatives from relevant government agencies, security agencies, and community leaders, was mandated to, among other responsibilities, identify illegal miners, eradicate child labour in mining sites, and verify the type of mineral title belonging to each of the license holders in the state.
According to data from the mining cadastre office, a total of 578 mineral titles have been issued to operators in Niger State, out of which 369, representing 81.46 per cent were granted on gold alone.
Shiroro, Munya and Rafi local government areas house the largest deposit of gold in the state but are the epicentre for banditry activities.
The state government attributed the banditry ubiquitous in the affected areas to mining activities hence its ban a year ago.
Proofreading by Fa’izatu Aliyu Doma, Journalist at Neptune Prime.
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