On Sunday, 22nd December 2024, President Bola Tinubu’s administration announced the lifting of the mining exploration ban in Zamfara State, a restriction imposed by former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration five years ago.
The Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, confirmed the decision, attributing it to significant security improvements in the state.
In 2019, former President Buhari’s government imposed the ban in response to the ongoing activities of bandits and Boko Haram insurgents in Zamfara and other northern states.
Alake stated: “After over five years of restrictions, I am pleased to announce the lifting of the ban on mining exploration in Zamfara State, thanks to significant security improvements. This decision comes after recognizing the state’s vast mineral wealth, including gold, lithium, and copper, which can greatly benefit our national economy.
The minister noted: “The previous ban, intended to address security concerns linked to illegal mining and banditry, inadvertently allowed illegal miners to exploit our resources.”
He added, “With the lifting of the ban, I believe Zamfara’s mining sector can now contribute meaningfully to national revenue and enable better regulation of mining activities, combating illegal operations more effectively.”
Looking to 2025, Alake emphasised that the government intends to introduce policies to revitalise the mining sector, consolidate reforms, and foster a more favourable investment climate for sustainable growth.
