Niger State to Fights against illegal miners

The Niger state government has set up a task force to fight illegal mining and address environmental degradation.
This came as a response to bandits’ attack on artisanal miners at Anguwan Mai-Giro in Shiroro LGA, Niger State, which claimed the lives of at least 13 people.
Comrade Yakubu Garba, the acting Governor, inaugurated the task force on Monday, saying that it was responsible for monitoring and identifying illegal mining sites, reporting security challenges linked to mining activities and addressing child labour issues at the sites.
Garba noted that Niger had 880 registered mining groups, comprising 578 companies and 302 cooperatives, but only 261 had reported for profiling.
The Acting governor further explained that the task force would also be tasked with identifying the types of mineral titles held by companies, ensuring compliance with existing mining laws and addressing any other matters related to the successful execution of their mandate.
Garba stressed the importance of the mining industry to the state’s economic growth, but showed concern over the negative impact of illegal mining on the environment.
He went ahead to reveal confidence that the task force would enforce regulations and promote responsible mining practices.
Alhaji Abubakar Usman, Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and chairman of the task force, vow to work diligently in order to fulfil the task force’s mandate.