An elated Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has commended the Federal Government for lifting the ban on mining activities in Zamfara State.
The New Daily Prime earlier reported that the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, announced the end of the five-year mining ban in the state.
Speaking to journalists in Gusau, the state capital, Matawalle stated that the move would attract investors and significantly boost the state’s socio-economic development.
He highlighted the setbacks experienced due to the imposed ban by the then President Muhammadu Buhari – led administration to curb insecurity, noting that the state had lost significant revenue in solid minerals exploration.
He further added that Zamfara was rich in mineral resources, particularly lithium ,and that many foreign investors had shown interest in exploring these opportunities.
Matawalle added that President Bola Tinubu has directed that investors in the mining sector must process minerals within the state.
This initiative, he explained, aims at creating job and enhancing socio-economic growth.
The minister praised Tinubu’s prioritisation of resource-rich states and expressed gratitude for his approval to lift the ban, which he said will positively impact Zamfara’s residents.
He also urged the people of Zamfara to support and co-operate with the Tinubu’s administration to ensure the success of this initiative.
Addressing security concerns, particularly regarding the Lakurawa terrorist group, Matawalle refuted claims of the group’s presence in Zamfara.
“People have been talking about Lakurawa in Zamfara State. It is not true. Lakurawa is not in Zamfara State. They are coming from Burkina Faso and Mali through Niger to Sokoto State,” he clarified.
He detailed a recent military operation against the group, during which their equipment and armoury were destroyed, and many members were neutralized.
“Since the last two weeks, I’m very sure none of you have heard about their activities, because we dealt with them decisively, leaving no stone unturned,” Matawalle said.
He assured Nigerians of the FG’s commitment to ending the activities of bandits and other terrorist groups in the North-West and across the country by 2025.
