The Federal Government has issued a stern warning to illegal miners operating in Zamfara State, directing them to immediately vacate all mining sites. This follows the recent outbreak of lead poisoning in Bugundu Local Government Area, believed to be the result of unauthorized mining activities.
In a statement released by Segun Tomori, FSCA, Special Assistant on Media to the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development, the Minister, Dr. Dele Alake, emphasized that mining activities in Zamfara remain suspended pending the release of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to regulate safe and lawful exploration in the state.
Dr. Alake expressed concern over the poisoning incident, stressing that the six-year mining ban in Zamfara should have prevented such a crisis. He pointed to the complicity or negligence of some traditional and local institutions that allegedly allowed illegal operations to flourish.
“Every citizen should obey the laws and regulations established by constituted authorities,” Dr. Alake said. “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 wilful negligence and abdicate their responsibilities, they perpetrate a state of anomie with dire consequences, as we are witnessing in this case.”
To prevent future occurrences, the Minister said the Ministry, along with experts, is analyzing the situation and will soon recommend specific interventions.
He commended the Zamfara State Government for deploying emergency services to the affected area and called for greater collaboration between the state and the Ministry.
“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 stated.
Dr. Alake also announced that the Ministry will soon roll out comprehensive SOPs covering existing mining license holders, new applicants, community development agreements, and environmental remediation strategies—part of broader efforts to reform the sector.
He further revealed that the Federal Executive Council has approved the deployment of satellite technology to monitor mining nationwide, a move he said will help eliminate illegal operations and improve transparency.
