Nasarawa Government Moves Against Illegal Mining, Use of Underage Workers

By Gambo Ahmed, Lafia

The Nasarawa State Government has announced tougher measures against individuals and companies involved in illegal mining, including operators accused of engaging minors and failing to provide adequate safety and welfare measures for workers.

Commissioner for Environment, Mining and Natural Resources, Princess Margaret Elayo, disclosed this on Friday while speaking with journalists in Lafia.

Elayo said the government was strengthening enforcement following reports and videos showing suspected underage persons engaged in mining activities around Wamba Local Government Area of the state.

She said the development had become particularly concerning against the backdrop of reports surrounding the deaths of suspected illegal miners following their arrest in Niger State.

“Yesterday, the Permanent Secretary reached out to me at about 9 or 9:30 p.m. and sent a couple of videos relating to Nasarawa State,” Elayo said.

“I felt it was necessary for me to speak on it so that we can be guided and learn from some of the challenges other people are experiencing, so that the same mistakes will not be repeated in Nasarawa State.”

The commissioner expressed condolences to the Niger State Government over the reported deaths, while stressing that illegal mining would not be tolerated in Nasarawa.

“Illegal mining is unacceptable, regardless of who you are. It is very unacceptable in Nasarawa State,” she said.

Elayo noted that Governor Abdullahi Sule’s administration remained committed to ensuring that the state’s abundant mineral resources were exploited responsibly and not at the expense of host communities, workers or the environment.

She warned mining operators and investors to comply with relevant laws and regulations, saying the government would take firm action against violators.

“I have realised that our people, including some investors, are still not adhering to the state government’s laws on mining,” she said.

“I am going to take a very drastic decision. At the end of the day, you are either here to support Nasarawa State’s growth or we will ensure that appropriate action is taken against activities that undermine the state.”

Elayo also raised concerns about operators allegedly carrying out full-scale mining activities without the required licences, explaining that some permits only authorise prospecting rather than commercial extraction.

She said the ministry had previously shut down illegal mining sites and removed underage workers from locations where they were found.

“I have gone to some mining sites and shut them down because of the kind of people I saw there,” she said.

According to her, operators should employ eligible adults, provide proper training and ensure workers have the necessary protective equipment before allowing them onto mining sites.

“You have many young people above the age of 18 who do not have jobs and can be trained and engaged to do some of this work after proper training and provision of the necessary safety equipment,” she added.

The commissioner criticised operators who enter communities and begin mining activities without adequate consideration for environmental protection and the welfare of residents.

She called on residents, traditional and community leaders across the state’s 13 local government areas to report suspected illegal mining activities to the appropriate authorities for investigation and enforcement action.

Elayo said the government would continue working to ensure that mining activities contribute to Nasarawa State’s economic development while protecting workers, host communities and the environment.