By: Adelowo Oladipo Minna
Niger State Ministry of Mineral Resources has taken a significant step towards sanitizing the mining sector and strengthening security across the state through a high-level stakeholders’ engagement held at the office of the Honourable Commissioner in Minna.
The Information Officer of the Ministry,Dibie Maureen stated this in a Press statement issued and made available to Journalists on Friday in Minna
The statement added that 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.
Representing ALGON at the meeting were the Executive Chairman of Bosso Local Government Council , Hon. Abdullahi U. Laka, and the Executive Chairman of Rijau Local Government Council , Hon. Abdullahi Yakubu Dukku.
Speaking during the meeting, the Honourable Commissioner for Mineral Resources, Alhaji Mohammed Qasim Danjuma, disclosed that the engagement was convened to communicate and implement the Executive Order issued by His Excellency, the Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umaru Bago, which revokes all previously issued consent letters signed by traditional institutions without following the approved government procedures.
According to the Commissioner, 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 Niger State must first obtain a Clearance Consent Letter from the Ministry of Mineral Resources before approaching the relevant local government authorities and community stakeholders.
“The era of obtaining consent letters without due process is over. Mining companies must secure a clearance letter from the ministry, which will be attached to their documentation before proceeding to the local government level for proper verification and scrutiny,” he stated.
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 Councils of the state to convene meetings with traditional rulers and ensure that all previously issued consent letters are retrieved and submitted for proper review in line with the governor’s directive.
The Commissioner emphasized that while mining licences issued by the Federal Government remain 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 capable of attracting genuine investors and boosting the state’s economy.
Alhaji Danjuma however warned that anyone found operating with forged or unauthorized consent documents would face arrest and prosecution, stressing that the government remains committed to restoring order and accountability within the mining sector.
Consequently, there has been a call for Comprehensive Database of Miners,as the
outgoing Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Comrade Idris A. Legbo, highlighted another major objective of the meeting, which is the development of a comprehensive database of artisanal miners operating across the 25 local government areas of Niger State.
He urged the National Union of Mine Workers (NUMW), the Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN), and other stakeholders to collaborate with the ministry in registering all artisanal miners and mining groups operating within their jurisdictions.
According to him, the database initiative will provide government with accurate information on mining activities, enhance monitoring and regulation, improve revenue generation, and support the implementation of policies aimed at promoting responsible and sustainable mining practices.
Comrade Legbo noted that reliable data would also enable government to identify genuine operators, reduce illegal mining activities, improve miners’ welfare, and facilitate access to training and support programmes.
Furthermore, the Incoming Permanent Secretary Commends Policy, while also speaking, the incoming Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Musa Abubakar Sadiq, described the new policy as a timely and strategic intervention that would address longstanding challenges within the mining sector.
He stated that the creation of a comprehensive database would significantly reduce irregularities, improve regulatory oversight, and support effective planning and decision-making.
Dr. Sadiq appealed to ALGON and other stakeholders to ensure widespread dissemination of the governor’s directive at the grassroots level, emphasizing that awareness and cooperation from local communities are essential for the successful implementation of the policy.
Moreover, ALGON has Endorsed the Initiative,just as in his remarks, the Executive Chairman of Bosso Local Government Council, Hon. Abdullahi U. Laka, commended the state government for introducing what he described as a progressive and necessary reform.
He stated that local governments are strategically positioned to support the implementation of the policy because they maintain close relationships with traditional institutions and host communities.
According to him, there are numerous channels through which accurate mining data can be gathered, including community leaders, local government structures, mining associations, and traditional institutions.
Hon. Laka praised Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago for his visionary leadership and commitment to transforming Niger State into a leading mining and investment destination.
He also commended the Honourable Commissioner for his proactive leadership, noting that the policy would help address many of the irregularities currently affecting the mining industry while promoting peace, accountability, and sustainable development.
Additionally, there has been a call for Strengthening Institutional Collaboration between the State Ministry of Mineral Resources and all the stakeholders both within and outside the State
The Director General of the Niger State Hydrocarbon and Solid Minerals Development Agency, Dr. Abdullahi Nma Ndajiya, advised the ministry to strengthen collaboration with the Mining Cadastre Office and other relevant regulatory agencies.
He stressed that closer cooperation and information sharing between state and federal institutions would enhance regulatory effectiveness, prevent duplication of responsibilities, and ensure seamless implementation of mining policies and procedures.
MAN Calls for Federal Collaboration
The Chairman of the Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN), Niger State Chapter, AbdulRazaq Yusuf Mohammed, identified conflicting approvals and overlapping regulatory processes as some of the major challenges confronting mining operations.
He advised the ministry to work closely with relevant federal government agencies to ensure harmony in policy implementation.
According to him, developing a standardized operational template would help create uniformity, eliminate confusion among operators, and improve compliance across the sector.
He commended Governor Bago for introducing the initiative, noting that it would reduce conflicts, prevent clashes among mining stakeholders, and create a more peaceful environment for mining activities.
AbdulRazaq urged all stakeholders to embrace the policy in good faith and support government efforts aimed at repositioning the sector for sustainable growth and economic development.
Meanwhile the Ministry has reaffirmed Commitment in all it’s activities
In his closing remarks, the Honourable Commissioner reiterated the ministry’s commitment to issuing new clearance directives to all local government councils and ensuring the collection of comprehensive data on artisanal miners and mining companies throughout the state.
He described the exercise as a direct mandate from Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago and assured stakeholders that the ministry would diligently implement the policy for the overall benefit of the state.
“The Ministry of Mineral Resources remains committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure the success of this initiative. This policy will strengthen security, improve regulation, attract investment, and position Niger State as a model for responsible and sustainable mining development in Nigeria,” he said.
The meeting ended with a collective commitment by stakeholders to support the implementation of the new mining clearance framework and contribute towards building a safer, more organized, and economically vibrant mining sector in Niger State.
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