Stakeholders in the mining sector in Niger State have adopted new measures and framework to strengthen security, transparency and investment in the sector.
Last week, the state ministry of mineral resources shut 16 mining sites over alleged illegal activities, breach of security and non-adherence to mining regulations.
To curbing the attendant impact, the ministry held a high-level stakeholders’ engagement to sanitise the mining sector and strengthen security.
The commissioner, Alhaji Mohammed Qasim Danjuma, disclosed that the engagement was convened to communicate and implement the Executive Order issued by Governor Mohammed Bago which revoked all previously issued consent letters signed by traditional institutions without following the approved government procedures.
He said the directive became necessary to address the growing challenges of illegal mining, insecurity and unregulated mining activities across the state.
He explained that under the new framework, every mining company seeking to operate in the state must first obtain a clearance consent letter from the ministry before approaching the relevant local government authorities and community stakeholders.
According to him, the era of obtaining consent letters without due process is over, and mining companies must secure a clearance letter from the ministry, which would be attached to their documentation before proceeding to the local government level for proper verification and scrutiny.
Alhaji Danjuma further noted that local government chairmen would play a central role in the new process by working closely with district heads, village heads, and other traditional institutions to verify the authenticity and credibility of prospective mining companies before granting community consent.
He directed council chairmen across the 25 local government areas to convene meetings with traditional rulers and ensure that all previously issued consent letters were retrieved and submitted for proper review in line with the governor’s directive.
The commissioner emphasised that while mining licenses issued by the federal government remained valid, all operators must comply with the new state clearance process.
He added that the policy would not only curb insecurity and violent conflicts associated with illegal mining but would also create a more transparent and investor-friendly environment to attract genuine investors and boost the state’s economy.
Danjuma warned that anyone found operating with forged or unauthorised consent documents would face arrest and prosecution, stressing that the government remained committed to restoring order and accountability within the mining sector.
The meeting brought together critical stakeholders in the mining industry, including the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), the Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN), the National Union of Mine Workers (NUMW), government agencies, and other relevant partners.
