Niger Govt inaugurates taskforce committee to address environmental degradation

Niger State Government has set up a task force committee to tackle illegal mining and environmental degradation in the state.

Inaugurating the committee, the state acting governor, Yukubu Garba said the move is a vital mission that requires collective effort towards achieving sustainable development and a prosperous economy of the state.

The task force is to monitor, identify, and report the illegal mining sites in the state. The committee is also expected to monitor, identify and report child labour on mining sites as well as monitor and report security challenges in mining host communities.

In addition, it is charged with the duty to identify types of minerals titles held by companies; determine compliance with extant mining laws; and examine other matters that may be connected with the successful implementation of its assignments, among other terms of reference.

According to Garba, there are 880 registered mining companies, made up of 578 companies and 302 cooperatives in the state, but only 261 reported for profiling with the Ministry for Mineral Resources.

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Garba also explained that while the mining industry is crucial for the state’s economic growth, illegal mining activities are harming the environment, communities, and future generations.

He added that through collective efforts the future of Niger State would be defined to ensure that mineral resources are harnessed for the greater good, to create jobs, support local businesses, and enhance communities’ quality of life.

Garba also stated that with the task force committee on ground to enforce regulations and responsible mining practices, the ban on mining has been suspended conditionally.

“That’s why we suspended mining activities several months ago. Despite our efforts, compliance has been low. So, we’re taking decisive action by lifting the suspension conditionally. We’re confident that our new task force will enforce regulations and ensure responsible mining practices,” he said.

Responding on behalf of other members, the secretary to the state government and the committee chairman, Alh. Abubakar Usman expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve while assuring that members would work diligently to meet the mandate and terms of reference of the committee.

Other members of the committee include the Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Alh. Sabo Yahaya ( co-chairman), Permanent Secretary of the ministry Mohammed Yunusa Nahauni (secretary), Commissioner for Homeland Security, Commissioner of Police, director of DSS, commandant of NSCDC, commandant of vigilante, all the 25 council chairmen, secretaries of all the eight emirate councils, representatives of the state assembly and judiciary, among others.