Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has signed an Executive Order prohibiting traditional rulers from issuing consent letters for mining across the state. The signing ceremony took place on Thursday at the Council Chambers, Government House, Gusau.
The governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, conveyed in a statement that the Executive Order aims to halt a concerning trend exacerbating the fight against banditry. The order explicitly bans the issuance of consent letters for mining, whether to individuals, companies, or organizations, across all 14 local government areas of Zamfara.
Governor Lawal, emphasizing the severity of the dangers posed by the unregulated issuance of consent letters, stated during the signing, “The mining activities in Zamfara have been identified as a significant factor contributing to the worsening security situation of the state, especially the menace of banditry.”
The governor underscored the responsibility of the government to take decisive action in addressing the issue of illegal mining operations that have been fueling the state’s security crisis. The Executive Order is seen as a crucial step to rectify the problems associated with the reckless abuse of consent letters.
Lawal expressed, “We beseech Almighty Allah to guide us as we serve and safeguard the lives and properties of the people.”
