The Governor of Katsina State, Malam Umaru Dikko Radda has suspended mining activities in the state just as he has also inaugurated a committee on illegal mining composed of professionals and relevant stakeholders.
The governor’s spokesperson Ibrahim Kaulah Mohammed disclosed this in a stament in Katsina late Monday night.
The statement said the suspension of mining will remain enforced until the investigations are completed, as ordered by the court.
“The state aims to learn from past experiences in Zamfara, where illegal mining activities led to security challenges and criminal activities,” the statement quoted Governor Radda as saying.
He said his administration places a high priority on citizens’ safety and aims to ensure that mining sites do not harbor criminals, a lesson learned from the neighboring state of Zamfara.
Governor Radda also expressed concern over illegal mining practices, saying many miners were tapping into resources without adhering to the established codes.
Speaking during a visit to a mining site in Sabaru village, Charanci local government, Governor Radda said the state government is the custodian of the land and holds the responsibility to grant permission to miners. “The primary objective of this initiative is to generate more revenue for the state through regulated mining activities,” he said.
According to the governor’s spokesperson, the committee is chaired by the state deputy governor, Alhaji Faruq Lawal Jobe, and has representatives from the police, Department of State Services DSS, Nigeria Security and and Civil Defence Corps NSCDC, and the Emirate councils of Katsina and Daura, among others, will identify and address illegal mining activities in the state, diligently investigate and submit their report within the specified time frame.
“The committee has been entrusted with critical tasks, including compiling an up-to-date list of registered miners, reviewing mining activities,” Governor Radda said.
The chairman of the committee, Deputy Governor, Alhaji Faruq Lawal Jobe, assured the governor that the committee would diligently carry out its duties in accordance with the terms of reference.
With these proactive measures, Katsina State demonstrates its commitment to promoting responsible mining practices and safeguarding the welfare of its citizens.
Similarly, the Governor also inaugurated a committee to expedite the completion of Danja Dam.
The committee, which is led by Engineer Abdullahi Ibrahim Mai-Maje, will investigate an determine the factors hindering the project’s smooth completion and indentify components of the contract that may have caused variations.
Additionally, the committee will invite the contractor, the consultant, and the state monitoring committee from the water resources ministry to contribute to the investigations.
Governor Radda has mandated the committees to deliver a thorough reports that will guide the state government in making informed decisions for sustainable development and progress.
