Nigeria has officially lifted a five-year suspension on mining operations in the northwestern state of Zamfara, following significant improvements in security. The ban, which was imposed in 2019 due to escalating attacks by armed groups, has now been revoked as the security situation in the region has considerably stabilized, allowing mining activities to resume in a safer environment.
Zamfara is known for its rich deposits of gold, lithium, and copper, which are vital to Nigeria’s plans to diversify its economy away from oil dependency. Minister of Mining, Dele Alake, hailed the security forces’ efforts in reducing violence, noting that the lifting of the ban will enable the state’s mining sector to contribute more to the national economy. Alake emphasized that illegal mining had flourished during the suspension, further exploiting the state’s vast mineral resources.
Nigeria, Africa’s largest oil producer, aims to increase the contribution of its mining industry to the economy, which currently accounts for less than 1% of the country’s GDP. As part of a broader strategy to reduce reliance on oil, the government has introduced a series of reforms designed to attract investment and stimulate growth in the sector. These include revoking unused mining licenses, offering a 75% stake in a new national mining company, cutting exports of unprocessed minerals, and tightening enforcement against illegal mining activities.
In an effort to further develop the sector, Nigeria has also signed a training and development agreement with France to enhance its mining capabilities. This follows similar partnerships with Germany and Australia, aimed at providing the country with the necessary technical, financial, and capacity-building support to unlock the full potential of its mining industry.