Niger State inaugurates Task Force to combat illegal mining

The Niger State Government has inaugurated a task force aimed at curbing illegal mining activities in the region.

The initiative was officially launched by the acting governor, Yakubu Garba, on Monday, August 26, 2024, following a recent ban on all mining activities in Shiroro Local Government Area due to security concerns.

The federal government had imposed the ban on August 22, after a series of violent attacks by bandits resulted in the deaths of several residents.

In light of these events, Garba announced a conditional lifting of the ban, while also establishing the task force to monitor and regulate mining operations across the state.

According to Garba, the newly inaugurated task force is charged with a broad mandate, including the identification and reporting of illegal mining sites, monitoring child labor in mining areas, and ensuring compliance with the executive order suspending illegal mining.

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He stated that the task force will also profile mining companies, report security challenges, and ensure the proper payment of revenue and royalties to the state.

Garba pointed out that many attacks on communities in Niger State are driven by the presence of valuable mineral resources, stating the importance of the task force’s role in maintaining peace and security.

The task force is led by Abubakar Usman, the Secretary to the Niger State Government, who serves as the chairman.

In his remarks, Usman expressed gratitude to the governor for the opportunity to serve and vowed to carry out the committee’s duties with diligence and commitment.

The task force will be co-chaired by Sabon Yahaya, the State Commissioner for Mineral Resources, with Mohammed Yunusa, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, acting as the secretary.

Other members of the task force include the Commissioner for Homeland Security, the Commissioner of Police, the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), 25 council chairmen, secretaries of the state’s eight emirates, and representatives from the Niger State House of Assembly.