By Najeeb Sani
The Bauchi State Government has intensified efforts to tackle illegal mining and its associated security challenges through a sensitisation workshop for stakeholders in mining-dominated areas of the state.
The programme, organised by the Bauchi State Ministry of Natural Resources Development in collaboration with BAHAS Consultant Ltd, was held at the Alkaleri Local Government Secretariat and attended by stakeholders from Dass, Toro, Ningi and Alkaleri Local Government Areas.
Declaring the workshop open, the Commissioner for Natural Resources Development, Hon. Muhammad Maiwada Bello, said the initiative was aimed at educating participants on the dangers of illegal mining, applicable mining laws, security concerns and other critical issues affecting the sector.
He said illegal mining poses significant risks to environmental sustainability, community development and security, making compliance with relevant laws and regulations imperative.
Bello urged traditional rulers, miners and other stakeholders to work closely with the ministry to curb illegal mining and promote the responsible exploitation of the state’s mineral resources.
He particularly stressed the need for mining operators to comply with the Community Development Agreement (CDA), which he described as an important framework for ensuring that host communities benefit from mining activities carried out in their areas.
The commissioner further called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, traditional institutions, mining operators, security agencies and host communities, stressing that a coordinated approach was necessary to effectively address illegal mining.
He also advocated increased awareness and monitoring of mining activities to ensure compliance with established regulations while protecting communities and the environment from the consequences of unregulated operations.
The workshop featured presentations by key stakeholders, including Babagana Ali Alkali, representing the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps; Alhaji Inuwa Bello Galoji, State Chairman of the Miners Association of Nigeria (MIRANCO); Engr. Muhammad Nasir, Federal Mining Officer in Bauchi State; and Buhari Salihu, Managing Director of BAMSEL.
Their presentations addressed mining laws and regulations, security challenges, environmental protection, the responsibilities of miners and host communities, and the importance of inter-agency collaboration.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Alkaleri Local Government Area, Baffa Aliyu, represented by his Deputy, Garba Muhammad Yashi, commended the Bauchi State Government and Commissioner Maiwada Bello for organising the workshop.
He said the initiative would enhance stakeholders’ understanding of illegal mining and strengthen cooperation among government authorities, traditional rulers, mining operators and host communities.