By TheWatch.NG
Nigeria’s mining sector is back in the spotlight following renewed concerns about the safety and regulation of extractive activities, particularly in Zamfara and Oyo States.
In Zamfara, mining operations remain under a longstanding suspension, but a recent lead poisoning outbreak in Bugundu Local Government Area has prompted renewed federal action. The incident, which has affected several individuals, highlights the ongoing environmental and health risks tied to unregulated mining.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, expressed deep concern over the poisoning, emphasizing that the ban on mining in Zamfara — enforced six years ago should have been enough to prevent such tragedies.
Alake accused traditional and local authorities of enabling illegal miners, stating they have turned a blind eye to dangerous activities in violation of the embargo. He assured that the Ministry is finalizing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to guide the eventual resumption of safe and regulated mining operations across the state.
Meanwhile, in Oyo State, the House of Assembly has passed a resolution demanding the full implementation of Executive Order No. 1 of 2023, signed by Governor Seyi Makinde. The Executive Order was established to ensure responsible mining practices and protect local communities from environmental degradation, insecurity, and economic exploitation.
The motion, moved by Anthony Ogunsola (Iwajowa Constituency) and seconded by Olorunpoto Cephas (Oyo East/West Constituency), called for a multi-stakeholder approach to mitigate the harmful effects of illegal mining, especially in Oke-Ogun, Oyo, and Ogbomosho zones — regions that lawmakers say have reaped little benefit from mining activities over the last 30 years.
The House also mandated its Committee on Solid Minerals to carry out a comprehensive audit of the state’s mining activities to ensure compliance and accountability.
As Nigeria continues to wrestle with the dual challenge of unlocking mineral wealth while safeguarding its people and environment, these recent developments could mark a turning point in how mining is regulated across the country.
