The Niger State Ministry of Mineral Resources has urged the Federal Government to undertake a comprehensive reform of the laws governing mining operations across the country. This call was made by the Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Alhaji Garba Sabo Yahaya, during an advocacy visit by the Campaign for Democracy, Human Rights Advocacy, Civil Society of Nigeria (CDHRACS) to the ministry in Minna.
Speaking through the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Yunusa Mohammed Nahauni, the commissioner emphasised that a review of the mining laws was critical. He noted that outdated regulations have posed significant challenges to mining operations in the state, resulting in lost revenue and missed opportunities for economic growth.
Alhaji Yahaya expressed gratitude to CDHRACS, led by its Niger State Chairman, Comrade Abdullahi Mohammed Jabi, for advocating for reforms in mining laws. He described the visit as timely, given the pressing need for changes to improve mining operations and governance in the state.
During the interface, the commissioner revealed that the ministry had already implemented measures to combat illegal mining activities, particularly within Minna and other parts of the state. He highlighted the establishment of a task force that includes representatives from security agencies to curb the menace of illegal mining. The task force will soon commence operations across all 25 local government areas (LGAs) of the state.
Additionally, Alhaji Yahaya encouraged legitimate miners in the state to form cooperative societies to streamline their activities and ensure proper identification. He also assured CDHRACS of the ministry's willingness to collaborate with civil society organisations to raise awareness in local communities about the dangers of illegal mining and to achieve the goal of eradicating the practice.
Speaking on behalf of CDHRACS, Comrade Abdullahi Mohammed Jabi highlighted the devastating impact of illegal mining on Niger State’s economy and society. He pointed out that illegal mining, fuelled by inadequate regulations and enforcement, has led to revenue loss, sexual abuse of women, child labour, and security challenges in mining communities. He also raised concerns about the involvement of foreign nationals in sponsoring illegal mining activities, which further endangers local communities.
Comrade Jabi noted with concern the high number of deaths caused by illegal mining in Niger State, which reportedly has the highest number of such incidents in the country this year. He commended the ministry's efforts in setting up a task force and assured its members that CDHRACS was ready to partner with them in areas of media engagement, stakeholder meetings, and public sensibilization campaigns.
The civil society leader stressed the importance of training and retraining personnel in mining operations to ensure the ministry's objectives of eradicating illegal mining activities are met.