Nigeria has lifted a five-year mining ban in Zamfara due to better security, aiming to boost its economy by tapping into rich mineral deposits. The government plans to attract investment through reforms and international collaborations for capacity building.
Nigeria has reinstated mining operations in Zamfara state following a five-year ban due to improved security conditions. The ban was initially imposed in 2019 after persistent bandit attacks in the region. Mining Minister Dele Alake remarked that enhanced security measures have reduced insecurity levels, enabling the mining sector to contribute more significantly to the national economy. Zamfara is rich in gold, lithium, and copper, which, once exploited legally, could augment Nigeria’s revenue.
Zamfara state, located in northwestern Nigeria, has vast natural resources, including gold, lithium, and copper. The state faced significant challenges due to insecurity from banditry, prompting the government to impose a mining ban in 2019. As Nigeria seeks to diversify its economy—currently heavily reliant on oil—it aims to bolster its mining sector, which contributes less than 1% to the GDP. Recent reforms and international collaborations aim to attract investments and enhance productivity in this sector.
The lifting of the mining ban in Zamfara represents a strategic move by the Nigerian government to revitalise its mining sector. With improved security and ongoing international partnerships, Nigeria hopes to increase its economic contributions from mining and reduce its over-dependence on oil revenues.
Original Source: www.kitco.com