The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, through his representative Segun Tomori, announced the decision during a press briefing on Sunday, December 22.

“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 the state’s mineral wealth, stating, “Nigeria has a lot to gain from reawakened economic activities in a highly mineralised state like Zamfara that is imbued with vast gold, lithium, and copper belts.”

He explained that while the initial ban was well-intentioned, it had unintended consequences. “The previous ban, which was well-intentioned, inadvertently created a vacuum exploited by illegal miners to fleece the nation of its resources,” he said. Alake emphasized Zamfara’s potential to contribute significantly to national revenue.

“The existential threat to lives and properties that led to the 2019 ban has abated. The security operatives’ giant strides have led to a notable reduction in the level of insecurity, and with the ban on exploration lifted, Zamfara’s mining sector can gradually begin contributing to the nation’s revenue pool,” Alake added.

The minister credited recent security successes under the Tinubu administration for enabling the decision. “Since the beginning of the Tinubu administration, intelligence-driven, coordinated security operations have resulted in the neutralization of key bandit commanders, significantly reducing incidents of insecurity. A recent success was the capture of one of the most wanted bandit commanders, Halilu Sububu, in a covert operation in Zamfara.”

Alake noted that lifting the ban would improve the regulation of mining activities in Zamfara and enhance intelligence gathering to curb illegal mining. “This will ensure the country benefits from the state’s rich mineral resources,” he said.

Commending the media for their role in promoting reforms in the mining sector, Alake acknowledged their contribution to sanitizing the industry and attracting investors. “Members of the fourth estate of the realm have been key allies in efforts to sanitise the mining sector and promote market reforms which have made the industry attractive to indigenous and foreign investors.”

Addressing recent concerns about the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with France, Alake clarified the government’s stance. “The agreement does not imply Nigeria is relinquishing control over its mineral resources or entering into any military pact with France,” he said.

“The high point of the MOU is on training and capacity building for our mining professionals. We need all the assistance we can get in terms of capacity, technical, and financial support from abroad, and that wasn’t even the first we are signing. We’ve signed similar ones with Germany and Australia. Deliberate peddling of misinformation, despite facts to the contrary, is uncalled for,” he concluded.