From El-Yakub Dabai, Birnin Kebbi
Kebbi State Government on Friday announced the ban on all mining activities in the state over security situation at the sites and minig workers, host communities, address non remittance of revenue as well as absence of corporate social responsibility of those in the industry.
Addressing journalists in Birnin Kebbi on Friday, the Secretary to the State Government, Yakubu Bala Tafida said the government decision to suspend minnig in the state was a precautionary measure aimed at ensuring the safety of mining workers and people of the communities.
He said the state government was not unmindful of the fact that mining is under Exclusive Legislative List, yet its decision to suspend it in the state was made after a thorough assessment of the current security situation in the mining sites.
“The State government believes that it is of utmost important to prioritize the protection and security of its citizens and to safe guide against converting the Mining fields as a veritable platform for breeding criminals and criminality by unauthorised foreigners and non indigenes of questionable characters.” The SSG said
Yakubu Tafida stated that government has decided to address the concerns through comprehensive evaluation and enforcement of strict regulations that would promote responsible mining, safeguard the environment, enhance revenue generation and above all proactive security measure.
The SSG therefore called on security agencies in the state to ensure strict compliance on the ban by taking necessary action against defaulting mining companies and their workers and urged the miners to contact the State Ministry of Solid Mineral Resources for proper documentation.
