The Nasarawa State Government has officially partnered with security agencies across the state to put an end to illegal mining activities within its 13 local government areas. This decisive action comes as a response to growing concerns about the adverse effects of unauthorized mining, particularly in Kokona Local Government Area, where the state House of Assembly had earlier expressed serious worries.
During a ministerial press briefing held in Lafia, the state capital, on Tuesday to mark Governor Abdullahi Sule’s two-year anniversary of his second term, the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Ibrahim Tanko, revealed the government’s firm stance. He stated, “The state government has declared zero tolerance for illegal mining,” emphasizing that the initiative aims to rid the mining sector of all illegal operations.
Tanko highlighted the environmental and economic dangers posed by illegal mining, noting that it threatens natural resources and undermines legitimate miners who follow the law. “Illegal mining not only poses a significant threat to the environment and natural resources in the state but also undermines the livelihoods of countless indigenous miners who abide by the regulatory framework,” he said.
The Commissioner further explained that the government is committed to protecting mineral-rich communities from unregulated and unidentified mining operators. He urged all mining companies to comply with legal requirements to obtain proper licenses before commencing operations. “Any mining company coming to Nasarawa State has to go through the necessary processes. We need to know them so that we can work together for the good of the state,” Tanko added.
The state government’s partnership with security agencies is already underway, with efforts focused on tracking down illegal miners and prosecuting offenders. Tanko praised Governor Sule for his leadership since 2019, particularly for attracting investors to the mining sector, which has created thousands of jobs for local youths.
He concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to ongoing surveillance and enforcement: “Any mining site found not following the laid-down laws of the state would be shut down.”
In a related development, Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Yakubu Kwanta, expressed appreciation to Governor Sule for approving the construction of three mini-stadia across the state’s senatorial districts. Kwanta also commended the state’s athletes for winning 18 medals at the recent National Sports Festival in Ogun State and encouraged them to remain disciplined and committed to future successes.