Nigeria has officially lifted its five-year ban on mining exploration in Zamfara State, citing significant improvements in security.
The suspension, which began in 2019 due to frequent bandit attacks, had halted operations in the mineral-rich region known for its deposits of gold, lithium, and copper.
Dele Alake, Nigeria’s mining minister, announced the development in a statement on Sunday, describing it as a step towards unlocking the state’s economic potential. 
“The security operatives’ giant strides have led to a notable reduction in the level of insecurity, and with the ban on exploration lifted, Zamfara’s mining sector can gradually begin contributing to the nation’s revenue pool,” he said.
Illegal Mining and Economic Reforms
During the suspension period, illegal miners exploited the state’s resources, exacerbating economic losses. Now, with the ban lifted, authorities aim to tighten regulations and encourage legitimate investments.
As Africa’s leading oil producer, Nigeria seeks to diversify its economy by boosting the mining sector, which currently contributes less than 1% to the nation’s GDP. To achieve this, the government has introduced several reforms, including:
- Revoking unused mining licenses.
- Offering investors a 75% stake in a newly formed national mining company.
- Reducing exports of unprocessed minerals.
- Enforcing stricter rules against illegal mining.
Capacity Building
In line with these reforms, Nigeria has been building technical expertise through international partnerships. Earlier this month, the country signed a training and development agreement with France, complementing similar partnerships with Germany and Australia.
“We need all the support we can get, including technical, financial, and capacity-building assistance from abroad. This is not the first agreement of its kind,” Alake noted.
With these efforts, Nigeria hopes to transform its mining industry into a significant contributor to national revenue while reducing reliance on oil.
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