In a bid to sanitise mining activities in Niger State, the state government has inaugurated a taskforce dedicated to overseeing the sector. The Acting Governor, Comrade Yakubu Garba, inaugurated the taskforce on Monday at the Government House in Minna.
Comrade Garba emphasised the importance of the mining sector to the state's economic growth but highlighted the detrimental effects of illegal mining activities. These activities, he noted, have been shortchanging the state and harming the environment, prompting the earlier suspension of mining operations.
According to the acting governor , there are approximately 880 licensed miners in the state, comprising 578 companies and 302 cooperatives. However, only about 261 have reported to the state Ministry of Mineral Resources for profiling.
With the taskforce now in place, the conditional suspension of the mining ban has been lifted. Comrade Yakubu Garba expressed confidence that the taskforce will enforce regulations and promote responsible mining practices. He urged the taskforce to ensure fair and just practices by adhering strictly to both mining laws and state regulations, thereby securing the state's future. He assured the taskforce of the government's full support.
"Let us work together to build a sustainable mining sector that benefits everyone," he stated. "Our collective efforts will define Niger State's future. We can ensure that our mineral resources are harnessed for the greater good, creating jobs, supporting local businesses, and enhancing our communities' quality of life."
The Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman Gawu, who chairs the taskforce, expressed gratitude to the governor for the opportunity to serve. He acknowledged the challenging nature of the assignment but pledged to adhere strictly to the terms of reference to achieve the desired results.
Demola Banjo, the Director General of Mineral Resources in Niger State and a taskforce member, noted that the committee was long overdue. He pointed out that the sector had been exploited for years without proper regulation and control.
The taskforce's terms of reference include monitoring, identifying, and reporting illegal mining sites, child labour on mining sites, and security challenges in mining host communities. The taskforce is chaired by the SSG, with the Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Alhaji Sabo Yahaya, serving as co-chairman and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mohammed Yunusa Nahauni, as secretary.