The Kebbi State Government has announced a ban on all mining activities within its territory.
Speaking in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital on Friday, Secretary to the State Government, Yakubu Tafida, said the government took the action because of insecurity and the need to protect mining workers, host communities and put in measures for revenue generation.
He described it as a precautionary measure aimed at ensuring the safety of workers and people in mining communities.
He said the state government was not unmindful of the fact that mining is under Exclusive Legislative List, but took the action after a thorough assessment of the current security situation.
READ ALSO: FCT: Peter Obi, Liyel Imoke, Julius Berger, Honeywell, Others Lose Land as Wike Revokes Plots
The SSG said the state government believes that it is of utmost importance to prioritize protection and security of its citizens and as well prevent mining fields from being converted to breeding criminals by unauthorized foreigners.
“This has happened in other neighbouring states for which we want to avert,” he said.
He went on to explain that the government intends to address these concerns through a comprehensive evaluation and strict enforcement of regulations designed to promote responsible mining, safeguard the environment, increase revenue generation, and, most importantly, protect lives.
