Zamfara sets up 13-member team to tackle illegal mining
- Zamfara State has inaugurated a 13-member committee to fight illegal mining and regulate the sector.
- The committee is chaired by Environment Commissioner Abdulrahman Tumbido and includes security and traditional representatives.
- Officials say the move will help formalise mining and protect communities and the environment.
The Zamfara State Government has set up a 13-member committee to curb illegal mining and improve regulation of mining activities across the state.
The Secretary to the State Government, Malam Abubakar Mohammad Nakwada, inaugurated the team on Friday in Gusau, the state capital, according to a statement from his media aide, Suleman Ahmad Tudu.
The committee is led by the Commissioner for Environment, Abdulrahman Tumbido. Its members include representatives of security agencies, traditional institutions, and federal and state agencies.
Nakwada said the initiative is part of efforts to support the Federal Government in formalising the mining sector in Zamfara. He asked members to work with security agencies, regulators, and local authorities to identify illegal mining sites and establish who is behind them.
The committee will also check that licensed mining companies follow the law, prevent environmental damage, and protect the safety and rights of host communities.
What the committee will do
Tumbido said members would act on reliable information and respect the law, fairness, and the livelihoods of residents.
He said the committee aims to contribute to lasting security, environmental protection, and sustainable development in the state.
Illegal mining has been a concern in Zamfara, where unregulated activities have been linked to environmental harm and insecurity. The new committee is expected to help bring mining operations under closer watch.
For ordinary residents, the move could mean better protection for farmlands and water sources, and clearer rules for companies operating in their communities.
What happens next: The committee is expected to begin identifying illegal mining areas and engaging with stakeholders. Its findings and actions will be watched to see whether they lead to safer and more regulated mining in Zamfara.
