Commissioner debunks illegal mining claims in Kebbi

Alhaji Haliru Aliyu-Wasagu, Kebbi Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development and Mining has debunked media report that the state government was supporting illegal mining activities in the state.

Addressing a press conference in Birnin Kebbi on the matter, Aliyu-Wasaguthe described the report as fake, malicious and a calculated attempt not only to tarnish the image of the present administration but also to distract its attention from the developmental strides.

He said: “The briefing is to categorically debunk a recent online report published by www.truthng.com which falsely alleges that the Kebbi Government is supporting illegal mining activities in Libata in Ngaski Local Government Areas.”

The commissioner recalled that the ministry of solid minerals was established in 2023 alongside eight other new ministries by the administration of Gov. Nasir Idris aimed at diversifying the state’s revenue sources and addressing key developmental priorities.

The commissioner also recalled that in Sept. 2023, the state government took a decisive action with a view to sanitising mining sector by suspending all mining activities across the state due to the concerns about illegal mining and related security issues.

He said that the decision was also informed by several critical observations, including lack of verifiable corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, community development agreement projects, and proper payments of royalties and tax to federal and state governments among others.

He, however, said that the state government had so far approved and cleared seven mining companies to operate within Libata area.

The commissioner said that strict protocols were in place to ensure compliance with the laid down rules and regulations including registration with the state ministry of solid minerals development and mining.

Others according to him, include; obtaining an introduction letter from the ministry to be presented to the Emir or District Head concern for signing of consent letter to be forwarded to the mining cadastral office, Abuja and applying for license at the Ministry Cadastral Office, Abuja.

“The rule also insist on validation of licenses by the ministry through the Mining Cadastral Office (MCO) server, engaging host communities for compensation and designing a Community Development Agreement (CDA) projects.

“Also insurance of permits/clearance by the state ministry before the commencement of any mining activity.

“In specific case of Libata, Ngaski LGA, Three Crown Company was issued a license by Mining Cadastral Office, Abuja for a total landmass of 5.4 square kilometres (27 cadastral units). Subsequently, a portion of this land (2 square kilometres or 10 cadastral units) was allocated to El-Tahdam Exploration Limited.

“This overlap caused by mining cadastral office, Abuja, led to a dispute between the two companies. It is important to emphasise that the Kebbi State Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and Mining has no involvement in this conflict.

“While Three Crown Company registered with the state government in 2023, El-Tahdam Company did their own in 2024, Three Crown fully has completed the licensing process from the state to the federal levels,” he said.

Also contributing, Alhaji Yakubu Ahmed-BK, Commissioner for Information and Culture said the write-up was done to distract government’s attention from the good works it had already started for the people of Kebbi.

He said that the state never had the opportunity to have government that was more responsive, more inclusive and more caring like the present administration, hence the need for opposition parties to shied their swords and join the vanguard of positive change.

While assuring that governor Idris was democratically elected to foster democracy and ensure good governance, the commissioner said: “we should have an opposition party that will say the governor is working let’s support him.”

Ahmed-BK appealed to all and sundry to rally round the the governor to enable him actualise his vision for a new prosperous and transformed Kebbi.