In a bold move to sanitise the solid minerals sector, the Niger State Ministry of Mineral Resources has ordered the immediate closure of all illegal mining operations and unregistered mineral trading points.
This was declared when the Ministry in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development conducted a high-level joint regulatory inspection and stakeholder engagement at the Gada Daya and Gada Eregi mining sites along Bida Road in Niger state.
The inspection, which took place on Tuesday, targeted rampant illegal mining activities, revenue leakages, and lack of proper documentation in the area.
Led by the Commissioner, Hon. Mohammed Qasim Danjuma, the delegation comprised the Federal Mines Officer in charge of Niger State, Engr. Henry Bolarinwa; Permanent Secretary Dr. Idris A. Legbo; senior ministry directors; representatives of Zuma Development Company led by Dr. Abubakar Abubakar; and security personnel.
The exercise forms part of coordinated federal and state efforts to enforce licensing requirements, ensure traceability of mined products, and bring all operators under structured governance.
The Commissioner stressed that no mining or mineral trading activities can legally commence or continue without obtaining the appropriate federal licences and completing full profiling and registration with the Niger State Ministry of Mineral Resources.
The delegation paid particular attention to mineral dealers involved in buying and selling operations.
Stakeholders were then sensitised on the need for mandatory registration, data capture, and adherence to approved operational frameworks to promote transparency and accountability.
Engr. Henry Bolarinwa declared that the joint operation aims to completely rid Niger State of illegal miners and unregistered dealers, placing the sector on a sound legal and economic footing.
He warned that subsequent inspections will result in the arrest and prosecution of defaulters under extant laws, urging all operators to immediately obtain the required licences.
Following the engagement, Danjuma directed the immediate and indefinite closure of all identified illegal mining sites and unregistered trading points within the community until operators secure federal licences and complete state-level documentation.
Representatives of the miners and dealers acknowledged the directives and pledged full compliance within the stipulated timeframe, assuring the delegation of their cooperation with government policies aimed at formalising the sector.
