*Suspends Ban Conditionally By Awwal Umar Kontagora The Niger State Government has inaugurated a Task Force on illegal mining to address env...
*Suspends Ban Conditionally
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
The Niger State Government has inaugurated a Task Force on illegal mining to address environmental degradation across the state.
Acting Governor, Comrade Yakubu Garba, inaugurated the Task Force at the Government House in Minna.
The Task Force is tasked with monitoring, identifying, and reporting illegal mining sites in Niger State; monitoring, identifying, and reporting child labor on mining sites; and monitoring and reporting security challenges in mining host communities.
According to a press release signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Bologi Ibrahim, the Task Force will also identify the types of mineral titles held by companies, determine compliance with existing mining laws, and examine other matters that may be connected with the successful implementation of its assignments, among other terms of reference.
The Acting Governor noted that while the mining industry is crucial for economic growth, illegal mining activities have severely impacted the environment, which led to the earlier suspension of mining activities in the state.
He disclosed that, according to available records, there are 880 registered mining companies in the state, consisting of 578 companies and 302 cooperatives, but only about 261 have reported for profiling.
With the inauguration of the Task Force, the ban on illegal mining has been conditionally suspended. The Acting Governor expressed confidence that the Task Force will enforce regulations and ensure responsible mining practices.
He urged the Task Force to ensure fair and just practices, and to take action against those operating outside the law to secure the future of the state. Comrade Garba promised to fully support the Task Force.
"Let's work together to build a sustainable mining sector that benefits everyone. 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," he stated.
The Secretary to the State Government and Chairman of the Task Force, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and pledged, on behalf of other members, to work diligently to meet the terms of reference and deliver the desired outcomes.
Demola Banjo, Director General of Mineral Resources in Niger State and a member of the Task Force, stated in an interview that the formation of the Task Force is long overdue, as the sector has been exploited without proper regulation and control for years.
The Task Force is chaired by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), with the Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Alhaji Sabo Yahaya, serving as Co-Chairman. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mohammed Yunusa Nahauni, will serve as Secretary.
Other members of the Task Force include the Commissioner for Homeland Security, the Commissioner of Police, the Director of DSS, the Commandant of NSCDC, the Commandant of the Vigilante Group, all 25 Council Chairmen, the Secretaries of all 8 Emirate Councils, representatives of the State Assembly, the Judiciary, and others.
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