:Charge traditional Rulers against unauthorized consent letters;
In a strategic effort to formalize mining operations and curb illegal activities in the sector, the Bauchi State Ministry of Natural Resources Development, in collaboration with Bladira Global Consulting Firm Ltd, has organized a sensitization training for enumerators on data acquisition and the formalization of mining activities across the state.
The event, which brought together key stakeholders in the mining industry, aims to equip enumerators with the knowledge and skills required to collect accurate data, promote legal mining operations, and encourage responsible practices among miners.
Declaring the training open, Commissioner Muhammad Maiwada Bello stressed the importance of formalizing mining activities in Bauchi State. “The rationale behind this training is to equip participants with the ideas and tools to combat illegal mining and promote legal mining operations in the state,” he said.
He explained that several programmes had been developed to support the formalization process, aimed at increasing youth employment and boosting the state’s revenue. “A lot of programmes were designed to encourage legal mining in the state, in an effort to create job opportunities and revenue for the overall development of Bauchi State,” he added.
Commissioner Bello used the occasion to call on the traditional rulers against issuing unauthorized consent letters, urging them not to grant consent letters to prospective miners without first obtaining official clearance from the Ministry of Natural Resources. He emphasized that such unauthorized endorsements undermine the government’s efforts to regulate the sector and could lead to the proliferation of illegal mining activities. “Traditional rulers must refrain from giving consent letters to miners without due consultation and approval from the Ministry. Doing otherwise is against the state policy and frustrates our commitment to order and sustainability in the mining sector,” he warned.
The Commissioner also called for greater collaboration between the Ministry and all relevant stakeholders to ensure that mining in the state is conducted in a sustainable and responsible manner. “We need to work together to ensure that mining activities in Bauchi are carried out in accordance with global best practices,” he urged.
According to him, the training is expected to positively transform the mining sector by enhancing transparency, accountability, and the overall formalization process, which are vital for the long-term development of the state. “This training will help to promote transparency and accountability in the mining sector, which is essential for the growth and prosperity of Bauchi State,” he noted.
Also speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Muhammad Maijama’a Dewu, commended the Commissioner for the initiative and encouraged participants to make the most of the opportunity. He urged them to leverage the training to deepen their understanding and contribute meaningfully to mining reforms in the state. “Use this avenue to expand your horizon,” Dewu advised.
The sensitization training was well-attended by stakeholders, including FMO & MEC OFFICER Bauchi State, representatives from the Bauchi State Association of Miners, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and leadership of meremco. They all applauded the initiative and reaffirmed their readiness to work with the Bauchi State Government in promoting formalization and adherence to best practices in the mining sector.
With support from the state government and development partners, the training is seen as a significant step toward transforming the mining landscape in Bauchi State—paving the way for increased job creation, enhanced revenue, and more sustainable mining practices.
