The Nigerian Government has issued a stern warning to illegal miners operating in Zamfara State, instructing them to vacate all mining sites without delay. Officials have reiterated that the current suspension of mining activities remains in force until the formal release of standard operating procedures to regulate the sector’s eventual reopening.
This development follows recent reports of lead poisoning in Bugundu Local Government Area, located in the north-western state. Reacting to the incident, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, stressed that the existing mining ban in Zamfara—imposed six years ago—should have made such health emergencies preventable.
According to a statement released by Segun Tomori, the Minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Dr Alake pointed to the involvement of unauthorised operators and the failure of local authorities to enforce the mining prohibition.
“Every citizen should obey the laws and regulations established by constituted authorities. Our revered traditional institutions and local authorities, which are funded from the federation accounts, have an even higher responsibility to enforce government directives. However, where they demonstrate wilful negligence and abdicate their responsibilities, they perpetrate a state of anomie with dire consequences, as we are witnessing in this case.”
The Minister noted that expert assessments and ministry reports would recommend tailored interventions to prevent similar tragedies in future.
He also praised the Zamfara State Government for its swift deployment of emergency services to the affected area and urged stronger cooperation between the state and federal ministry officials.
“We must work together to kick out illegal miners from all corners to protect the lives of innocent citizens endangered by the desperation of a few individuals to make money at all costs,” the Minister emphasised.
Dr Alake further disclosed that comprehensive standard operating procedures would soon be released to guide the resumption of regulated mining in the state. These measures will address the status of current mining licence holders, the vetting of new applicants, adherence to community development agreements, and the implementation of beneficiation and environmental remediation.
Additionally, he reaffirmed that the recent approval for the deployment of satellite technology to monitor mining activities nationwide will help clamp down on illegal operations and eliminate malpractice across the industry.
