Bauchi State Govt intensifies fight against illegal mining
Bauchi State Government has intensified efforts to combat illegal mining and its associated security challenges through a sensitisation workshop for stakeholders in mining-prone areas of the state.
The workshop, organised by the Bauchi State Ministry of Natural Resources Development in collaboration with BAHAS Consultant Ltd, was held at the Alkaleri Local Government Secretariat.
Declaring the workshop open, Bauchi State Commissioner for Natural Resources Development, Muhammad Maiwada Bello, said the initiative was designed to sensitise participants on the dangers of illegal mining, relevant mining laws and regulations, security concerns and other challenges affecting the sector.
The commissioner said illegal mining posed serious threats to environmental sustainability, community development and security, stressing the need for strict compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
Maiwada Bello urged traditional rulers, miners and other stakeholders to collaborate with the ministry to curb illegal mining and promote the responsible exploitation of the state’s mineral resources.
He particularly emphasised the need for mining operators to comply with the Community Development Agreement (CDA), describing it as an important framework for ensuring that host communities benefit from mining activities in their areas.
The commissioner also called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, traditional institutions, mining operators, security agencies and host communities, saying a coordinated approach was essential to effectively address illegal mining.
He further advocated increased awareness and monitoring of mining activities to ensure compliance with established regulations and protect communities and the environment from the negative consequences of unregulated mining.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Alkaleri Local Government Area, Baffa Aliyu, represented by his Deputy, Garba Muhammad Yashi, commended the state government and Commissioner Maiwada Bello for organising the workshop.
He said the initiative would enhance stakeholders’ understanding of the dangers of illegal mining and strengthen cooperation among government authorities, traditional institutions, mining operators and host communities.
The workshop featured presentations by representatives of key stakeholders, including Babagana Ali Alkali of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps; Alhaji Inuwa Bello Galoji, State Chairman of the Miners Association of Nigeria (MIRANCO); Engineer Muhammad Nasir, Federal Mining Officer in Bauchi State and Buhari Salihu, Managing Director of BAMSEL.
The presentations focused on mining laws and regulations, security challenges, environmental protection, the responsibilities of miners and host communities, as well as the importance of inter-agency collaboration.
