The Federal Government has issued a stern warning to illegal miners operating in Zamfara, instructing them to vacate all mining sites immediately. This comes after the alarming outbreak of lead poisoning in Bugundu Local Government Area. In response, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, emphasized that all mining activities in the state remain suspended until proper guidelines are put in place for resumption.
The recent reports of lead poisoning have shocked authorities, as it was expected that mining operations should have ceased following the six-year ban in place. Alake pointed out that the outbreak is a direct result of illegal miners defying the law, with the tacit approval of traditional and local institutions that failed to enforce the ban. In a statement released by his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, Alake stressed that both traditional and local leaders must take responsibility for safeguarding the well-being of their communities and obeying the laws set by the government.
“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 willful negligence, they perpetrate a state of anomie with dire consequences, as we are witnessing in this case,” Alake stated.
The Minister commended the Zamfara State government for its swift response, deploying emergency services to the affected area. He also called for greater collaboration between state and federal authorities to eliminate the dangerous illegal mining operations. “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,” he urged.
Looking ahead, Alake announced that the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development will soon release comprehensive standard operating procedures aimed at restructuring the mining sector in Zamfara. These new guidelines will address critical issues such as mining license compliance, community development agreements, and the remediation of environmental damage caused by illegal mining activities.
The Minister also highlighted the government’s commitment to using advanced satellite technology to monitor mining operations nationwide, which will help eradicate illegal mining and other harmful practices within the sector.
The ban on mining exploration in Zamfara, which was lifted in December 2024, followed a significant improvement in the state’s security situation. However, the recent lead poisoning incident has underscored the need for stringent enforcement of mining regulations to prevent further environmental and health hazards.
Zamfara State residents, as well as mining stakeholders, are eagerly awaiting the release of the new procedures, which are expected to restore order to the mining industry and protect local communities from the destructive consequences of illegal mining.
