The Nigerian government has ordered all illegal miners to vacate mining sites in Zamfara State after authorities confirmed a new outbreak of lead poisoning linked to artisanal gold mining.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, issued the directive on Tuesday in a statement released by his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, according to the News Agency of Nigeria.
Zamfara, known for its rich gold reserves, first experienced a devastating lead poisoning epidemic in 2010. The outbreak, traced to unsafe mining practices, led to widespread environmental contamination and poisoned hundreds of residents, especially children.
Dr Alake announced that mining activities in the state would remain suspended until Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are introduced to ensure safer mining operations. He expressed disappointment that despite lifting a six-year mining ban in December 2024, illegal mining activities had continued unchecked, leading to renewed health risks.
The latest cases of poisoning have been reported in the Bungudu area of Zamfara. Authorities criticised local leaders for failing to enforce mining regulations, accusing them of allowing illegal activities in violation of government orders.
“Every citizen must respect laws and regulations established by constituted authorities,” the statement said. “Traditional and local institutions, which receive funding from the federation accounts, have an even greater responsibility to enforce these directives.”
Dr Alake warned that negligence by local authorities leads to lawlessness with severe consequences, as demonstrated by the current outbreak.
The Minister also mentioned that experts and reports from the ministry would propose specific measures to help prevent future environmental and public health crises in the region.