The Kebbi State Government has announced a ban on all mining activities in the state, citing insecurity and the need to protect mining workers and host communities.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Yakubu Tafida said the government took the precautionary measure after a thorough assessment of the current security situation.
“This is a precautionary measure aimed at ensuring the safety of workers and people in mining communities,” Tafida said at a news conference in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital.
He said the government was not unmindful of the fact that mining is under the Exclusive Legislative List, but took the action in the interest of its citizens.
The SSG stated that the government will tackle these concerns by conducting a thorough evaluation and implementing stringent regulations. These measures aim to promote responsible mining, protect the environment, boost revenue generation, and, most importantly, ensure the safety of lives.
“We believe that it is of utmost importance to prioritize protection and security of our citizens and as well prevent mining fields from being converted to breeding criminals by unauthorized foreigners,” Tafida said.
“This has happened in other neighboring states for which we want to avert.”
