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Dangote Refinery exporting refined petroleum products beyond Africa markets – Official

Michael Simire
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Dangote Refinery exporting refined petroleum products beyond Africa markets – Official

Dangote Petroleum Refinery says it has begun exporting refined petroleum products to many African, European, American and Asian markets.

Dangote Refinery
Dangote Refinery

The Deputy Regional Director, South East, Dangote Cement, Mr. Ayirioritse Okerentie, made the disclosure at the ongoing 36th Enugu International Trade Fair on Dangote Special Day.

The regional director listed the products to include aviation fuel and naphtha, Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and automotive gas oil.

Okerentie said the theme for the fair, “Developing Nigeria Industrial Sector/SMEs for Economic Advancement & Global Recognition”, resonated with the Dangote Industries Ltd.

He said the industry created millions of both direct and indirect employments for people of diverse skills such as administrators, accountants, engineers, technicians, marketing and sales among other.

Okerentie explained that Dangote Petrochemical Complex had kicked off the production of polypropylene, a major raw material used in textile, plastic, furniture and pharmaceutical sectors.

“Our intervention in road construction, through partnerships with both federal and state governments, is well documented.

“Dangote Group has actively participated in road construction and rehabilitation projects aimed at improving transport conditions. We reconstructed the Obajana-Kabba road as well as the Apapa-Oshodi-Oworonshoki expressway in Lagos.

“We are reconstructing the Ibeju-Lekki Expressway using concrete. Concrete roads are more durable than the normal asphalt roads, with an estimated lifespan of 100 years.

“Dangote cement operations in over 10 African countries, the group has facilitated the export of cement from Nigeria to other African markets.

 “It is on record that Dangote Cement enabled Nigeria to attain self-sufficiency in local production of cement. Nigeria is not only a leading producer of cement, but our export capacity has helped reduced pressure on foreign exchange.

“Dangote Sugar is a leading brand that has made a remarkable impact on the Nigerian sugar sector.

”The company is committed to ensure that Nigeria ends the importation of raw sugar into the country by actively intensifying its execution of the Sugar Backward Integration.

“Similarly, to support government in Food Security, we are also investing in the agricultural sector. These agricultural products will soon be in the market. Dangote salt is refined from the finest quality sea-salts,” he said.

He explained that the expectations were that through this Trade Fair, they would be able to expand awareness for their innovative products, generate sales, get prospective buyers, improve the image of their brands.

In a welcome address, the President Enugu Chamber of Commerce Industry Mining and Agriculture (ECCIMA), Mr. Odeiga Jideonwu, applauded Dangote Industries for being a major sponsor of the fair for the past four years.

The president represented by the first Deputy President, Mr. Eric Chime, said that recent investment of Dangote into oil and gas industry had taken the company to another level, especially in regulating the prices of petroleum products in Nigeria.

ECCIMA called on the Federal Government to give the Company all the needed support to continue to bring smiles on the faces of Nigerians.

By Ifeoma Aka

South Africa approves renewable energy masterplan, targets enhanced energy security

Michael Simire
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South Africa approves renewable energy masterplan, targets enhanced energy security

The South African Cabinet has approved the South African Renewable Energy Masterplan (SAREM) for implementation, targeting energy security and broader industrial growth. The plan seeks to address challenges associated with local capacity, infrastructure and investment by providing a roadmap for developing renewable energy and battery storage technologies. For investors, the plan identifies a clear pathway to advancing power projects as South African electricity demand is expected to rise two-fold by 2040.

President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa
President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa

The upcoming African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025 – taking place September 29 to October 3, 2025, – will examine the impact the SAREM will have on the country’s energy mix. Uniting African government and policymakers with energy operators and investors, the event seeks to drive investment in African energy, in alignment with broader goals of making energy poverty history.

South Africa targets ambitious growth across its renewable energy market, striving to strengthen grid resilience through large-scale investments in generation and transmission infrastructure. Led by policies such as the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) – revised in 2023 – the country envisages 29.5 GW of new capacity by 2030. Of this, 14.4 GW will be derived from wind while 6 GW comes from solar. The latest procurement round of the IRP targets 6.8 GW of renewable energy, 3 GW of natural gas and 1.5 GW of coal.

To realise these goals, the SAREM aims to leverage rising demand for renewable energy and storage technologies, with a focus on solar, wind, lithium-ion battery and vanadium-based battery technologies to drive industrial development in South Africa.

The masterplan is anchored on four primary areas: supporting local demand for renewable energy and storage by unlocking system readiness; driving industrial development by building renewable energy and battery storage value chains; fostering inclusive development by driving transformation of the industry; and building local capabilities in terms of skills and technological innovation.

The SAREM is expected to fuel the already-growing South African renewable energy market. According to the African Energy Chamber’s State of African Energy 2025 Outlook, South Africa – alongside Egypt – is expected to continue leading Africa’s power generation in 2025. The continent has over 500 GW of renewable energy capacity in concept phase, 80% of which are in the North African region and South Africa. South Africa is also one of several countries leading in nuclear-based power generation.

The SAREM will support growth by facilitating partnerships across the value chain, implementing targeted training programs while addressing challenges associated with regulatory barriers. While the SAREM provides significant benefits to the renewable energy landscape, Cabinet has directed that additional work be done on the masterplan to incentivise investors to fund projects. This includes the development of green hydrogen to meet international obligations of 5% blended fuel in aviation and maritime sectors by 2030.

During AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025, a multi-track programme will explore how policies such as the SAREM will shape Africa’s energy landscape. A dedicated Energy Transition stage will investigate Africa’s strategic approach to driving a just transition, tackling key topics including Energy Security in Africa; Driving Local Value; Scaling-up Renewable Energy; and many more.

A Powering Africa stage will address fundamental challenges and opportunities surrounding Africa’s electricity market. For South Africa, panel discussions on Bridging the Electricity Gap; Energy Efficiency; Strengthening Public and Private Sector Collaboration; Energy Diversification, and more, will identify opportunities for investors and project developers. Meanwhile, an Invest in African Energies: Country Spotlight on South Africa will examine the country’s energy landscape, including the advancement of oil and gas projects and the implementation of utility-scale renewable energy projects.

From green hydrogen adoption to battery storage solutions to solar, wind and natural gas, the spotlight will explore the role an integrated energy mix will have on the country’s energy future.

‘A dangerous fantasy that endangers us all’ – Group kicks as Trump signs executive orders to revive coal

Michael Simire
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‘A dangerous fantasy that endangers us all’ – Group kicks as Trump signs executive orders to revive coal

U.S. President Donald Trump signed executive orders on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, that aim to boost coal production in his latest action that runs counter to global efforts to curb carbon emissions.

Trump
President Donald Trump holds a signed an executive order during an event in the East Room of the White House, Tuesday, April 8, 2025, in Washington, as from left Environmental Protection Agency director Lee Zeldin, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Energy Secretary Chris Wright and White House staff secretary Will Scharf watch. Photo credit: AP/Evan Vucc)

Coal-burning plants generate less than 20% of U.S. electricity, a drop from 50% in 2000, according to the Energy Information Administration, as fracking and other drilling techniques have hiked production of natural gas. Growth in solar and wind power has also cut coal use.

“We’re bringing back an industry that was abandoned,” Trump said at the White House, standing in front of about three dozen mostly male coal miners wearing hard hats.

“We’re going to put the miners back to work,” Trump said about a workforce that has sunk to about 40,000 from 70,000 10 years ago.

Trump, a Republican, campaigned on a promise to increase U.S. energy output and has sought to roll back energy and environmental regulations since taking office on January 20.

U.S. electricity demand is rising for the first time in two decades on growth in power-hungry data centres for artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, and cryptocurrencies.

The orders include efforts to save coal plants that were likely to be retired, including by unlocking authorities in the 1950 Defense Production Act to boost coal production.

They also direct Energy Secretary Chris Wright to determine whether coal used in steel production is a “critical mineral.” Allowing that classification, typically reserved for minerals needed for high-tech defense systems, for metallurgical coal could set the table for use of emergency powers to raise production.

Another order, opens new tab asked the U.S. Attorney General to identify state climate laws that are an obstacle to developing energy resources like coal, and try to stop them from being enforced.

After Trump signed the orders, Wright’s department made $200 billion in financing available for its loan programmes office including for new coal technologies.

In a reaction to the development, environment watchdog, 350.org, condemned Trump’s action, describing the executive orders on coal as “reckless”.

The group tagged the initiative as “a dangerous fantasy that endangers us all”.

Anne Jellema, Executive Director, 350.org, said: “President Trump’s latest attempt to force-feed coal to the US is a dangerous fantasy that endangers our health, our economy, and our future. Let’s be clear: there is no such thing as ‘clean coal.’ There is only coal – one of the dirtiest fossil fuels driving climate breakdown, harming communities, and polluting the air we all breathe. No executive order can change the science, the economics, or the reality on the ground: coal is dying, and renewable energy must be the future.

“Trump’s use of the Defense Production Act to ‘turbocharge’ coal is an abuse of power. It’s a handout to polluters dressed up as patriotism. It ignores the fact that while only 41,000 people work in coal, nearly 280,000 Americans already work in solar. Instead of doubling down on the past, we should invest in good, unionised jobs in clean energy, prioritising the workers and communities most impacted by the shift.

“At a time when we face record wildfires, floods, and rising climate migration, we need bold action, not cynical handouts to polluters.”

Morocco Declaration to set land governance agenda in Arab region

Michael Simire
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Morocco Declaration to set land governance agenda in Arab region

The Third Arab Land Conference, held from February 18 to 20, 2025, in Rabat, Morocco, concluded with the adoption of the Morocco Declaration for Land Governance, a key milestone in strengthening land governance frameworks across the Arab region.

Morocco Declaration
Ms. Ekhlas Adam, Secretary-General of the National Council of Urban Development, Sudan, makes a panel contribution at the third high-level session on Women and Land where policymakers and leaders from across the region shone a spotlight on the transformative power of women’s secure access to land, housing, and other vital resources. Photo credit: Salahdine El Bazi

Co-organised by UN-Habitat and the Government of Morocco, the Conference brought together 430 in-person participants, more than 40 government representatives from 17 countries, and over 7,000 online viewers. Discussions focused on sustainable land governance, investment-driven solutions, and inclusive policies to enhance stability, economic growth, and social equity.

Strengthening regional cooperation

The Morocco Declaration calls for stronger regional partnerships and technological advancements in land management and provision of housing and outlines actions to boost land-based investments while respecting land rights, empowering communities, and fostering long-term growth. Key measures include digitalising land administration systems, building the capacities of land professionals, and addressing post-crisis recovery and reconstruction.

The Declaration also emphasises the urgency of protecting women’s land rights and ensuring women’s active participation in shaping land policies and land management.

Key outcomes and commitments

The League of Arab States, the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), and the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UNESCWA) committed to integrating the Conference’s outcomes into their intergovernmental processes.

Two major initiatives were launched at the Conference:

  • The Arab World Academic Network of Excellence, bringing together leading universities from Palestine, Egypt, Iraq, and Morocco, aimed at enhancing knowledge and expertise in land administration and governance across the region.
  • A strategic handbook on housing and property restitution for refugees and displaced persons, providing guidance on implementing the Pinheiro Principles through case studies from the Arab region. 

Three High-Level Sessions explored critical land issues, including land management in times of crisis, land sector innovation for sustainable investments and housing, and women’s land rights.

Moving forward

The Morocco Declaration serves as a roadmap for future land governance initiatives in the Arab region. The challenge now lies in translating these commitments into concrete actions that promote sustainable urban growth, secure land tenure, and enhance social stability. 

New hydrogen power projects to boost growth in UK

Michael Simire
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New hydrogen power projects to boost growth in UK

A new wave of hydrogen powered projects was shortlisted on Monday April 7, 2025, to help cut emissions and create thousands of jobs in the UK’s industrial heartlands – driving growth as part of the government’s Plan for Change.

Green Hydrogen
Green Hydrogen

Twenty-seven hydrogen projects have been selected for the next stage of the Second Hydrogen Allocation Round (HAR2) – supporting low-carbon hydrogen production in the UK. The industry has the potential to attract over £1 billion of private sector investment into the UK by 2029, supporting the government’s mission to become a clean energy superpower.

Hydrogen will help deliver a new era of clean energy across the UK and decarbonise emission-intensive industries. It has already attracted £400 million of private sector investment in towns and cities such as Milford Haven in Wales and High Marnham in Nottinghamshire and is creating over 700 direct jobs in construction and operations.

Government support for hydrogen will help create thousands more jobs in the sector and reindustrialising the UK’s proud manufacturing regions. This includes roles for apprentices, graduates and technically trained professionals, such as engineers, welders, skilled construction workers, pipefitters and operations specialists.   

Monday’s shortlist includes projects that could use hydrogen to help tackle the climate crisis by decarbonising their manufacturing and industrial practices, including ammonia production, new clean power generation, glass manufacturing, brick making, and sustainable aviation fuel production. 

Industry Minister, Sarah Jones, said: “We are deploying hydrogen at a commercial scale for the first time – not just investing in a technology – but investing in British jobs, our proud manufacturing communities and our energy security.

“From distilleries and sustainable aviation fuel to public transport and clean energy generation, hydrogen can power our everyday life and unlock clean energy growth across the country as part of our Plan for Change.” 

Green hydrogen is produced by using renewable energy to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, resulting in a zero-carbon fuel that can be used for power generation, transport  and industrial processes.   

This builds on the success of the First Hydrogen Allocation Round which saw 11 projects being allocated over £2 billion in government funding. One recipient, Whitelee Green Hydrogen in Scotland, will produce hydrogen for the Inchdairnie Whiskey distillery which intends to sustainably distil whisky by 2027.   

Stretching across England, Scotland, and Wales, this latest wave of shortlisted HAR2 projects showcases the government’s commitment to create skilled jobs and establish clean energy hubs across Great Britain. The HAR2 shortlist could lead to projects that help support strong supply chains and the delivery of the clean energy superpower mission. 

Dr Emma Guthrie, CEO of the Hydrogen Energy Association, said: “This much-anticipated announcement brings vital clarity to the UK’s hydrogen sector, providing a crucial boost for projects that will drive forward the country’s low-carbon transition.

“The funding support offered through HAR2 gives our members and the wider industry the confidence to gear up for delivery, unlocking investment, creating jobs, and driving economic growth.

“This is great news – not just for the hydrogen sector but for the UK’s ambition to become energy secure and a global leader in clean energy.” 

Clare Jackson, CEO of Hydrogen UK, said: “We’re thrilled to see many Hydrogen UK members succeed in the second Hydrogen Allocation Round, marking a crucial step for scaling electrolytic hydrogen.

“This progress builds on valuable lessons from past rounds and strengthens UK leadership in clean energy – reinforcing the sector’s crucial role in economic growth and energy security.” 

ECOWAS Bank approves €230m to strengthen infrastructure in West Africa

Michael Simire
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ECOWAS Bank approves €230m to strengthen infrastructure in West Africa

The Board of Directors of the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) has approved a total of €230 million and $10 million to finance projects aimed at stimulating development and boosting economic activities in West Africa.

Dr George Agyekum Donkor
President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of EBID, Dr George Agyekum Donkor

A statement by the bank on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, said the financing package was granted during the 91st ordinary meeting of the Board, held under the chairmanship, Dr George Donkor, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of EBID.

The statement said the facilities would be put towards the following projects:

“A $50 million line of credit to Sterling Bank Ltd. in the Federal Republic of Nigeria to support Small Medium Enterprises operating in various sectors, including health, education, agriculture, renewable energy, and transport.

“A €10 million facility to Bénin Cashew SA to co-finance the construction of five cashew nut processing units and a cashew balsam production unit in the Glo Djigbe industrial zone in the Republic of Benin.

“This project is estimated to cover 50 per cent of national cashew production needs while creating 1,666 permanent and daily jobs within the framework of Benin’s Strategic Plan for the Development of the Agricultural Sector.

“A $180 million line of credit to Mota-Engil Nigeria to co-finance the Kano-Maradi standard gauge rail project, linking northern Nigeria to Niger.

“This strategic project will strengthen regional integration, facilitate cross-border trade, and create over 100,000 jobs during the construction phase and 20,000 permanent jobs once operational,” it said.

According to it, the newly approved commitments are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in particular, SDG 9 – Industry, innovation and infrastructure, and SDG 13 – Climate Action.

It added that the commitment also aligned with EBID’s strategy to develop priority sectors.

“With this investment, EBID’s total commitments in the sub-region amount to $4.5 billion,” the statement said.

By Fabian Ekeruche

SAPZ project strategic to Nigeria’s plan to industrialise agriculture – Shettima

Michael Simire
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SAPZ project strategic to Nigeria’s plan to industrialise agriculture – Shettima

The Federal Government says the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) is a strategic milestone in its plan to industrialise Nigeria’s agriculture sector and create sustainable jobs across the country.

Kashim Shettima
Alhaji Kashim Shettima, Vice President of Nigeria

Vice-President, Kashim Shettima, said this while performing the groundbreaking for the construction of Phase 1 of the SAPZ project in Kaduna on Tuesday, April 8, 2025.

The SAPZ is part of a larger national programme, with Kaduna, Kano, Kwara, Cross River, Imo, Ogun, Oyo, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) among states in the first phase of the project.

It aims at transforming Nigeria’s agriculture through innovation, private-sector investment, and strategic public partnerships.

The zones are designed to create agro-industrial hubs that integrate farmers with processors, reduce post-harvest losses, and expand rural economic opportunities.

The facility is located in Daki-Takwas, along Kaduna-Abuja, Expressway, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State,

Shettima said the project was a direct response to the long-standing challenges facing Nigeria’s agricultural value chain, including poor infrastructure, limited access to markets, and low value addition.

He expressed confidence that the initiative would catalyse economic growth by creating thousands of jobs and empowering Nigerian youths.

“We are not just breaking ground. We are building the infrastructure to feed our people, empower our youth, and fulfil the economic promise of our nation.

“This is not just about bricks and mortar. It is about people.

” It is about the resilience of our farmers, the ingenuity of our entrepreneurs, and the commitment of our government to build a future that works for everyone,” he said.

According to Shettima the nation cannot afford to be chained to outdated systems while the world moves with urgency towards innovation.

He said  the SAPZ initiative was a strategy that “lays the foundation for real economic transformation.”

Shettima praised the Kaduna State Government for its leadership in agriculture, describing the state as a key driver of Nigeria’s agro-industrial future due to its abundant arable land and historical role in agricultural production.

“Kaduna is not a stranger to agricultural leadership. What we are starting here today will become a model for other states to follow,” he said.

The vice-president reiterated the importance of involving young Nigerians in the agricultural revolution.

“The SAPZ will generate thousands of jobs and equip the youth with the skills to become active players in the economy.

“The youth of Nigeria must not be spectators. They must be stakeholders and shapers of their own futures,” he said.

Earlier, Kaduna State Governor, Sen. Uba Sani, described the SAPZ as a strategic investment designed to accelerate industrial development across Nigeria.

He said, “The SAPZ is a huge investment designed to position Kaduna State as a major player in Nigeria’s industrial development.”

According to Sani, agriculture plays a central role in Kaduna’s economy, contributes 42 per cent to the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employing 60 per cent of the state workforce.

“In the 2023 budget we inherited, agriculture received just N1.4 billion. However, in 2024, we increased it to N23.4 billion, and in 2025, we have approved N74.2 billion,” he said.

Also, the AfDB President, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, applauded Kaduna’s commitment to the actualisation of SAPZ, highlighting the significance of agricultural industrialisation in the state’s economic growth.

While restating the bank’s commitment to the project, he said the initiative was currently being implemented in 27 sites across 11 countries, including Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Senegal, and Madagascar.

Also speaking, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, described the initiative as a turning point in Nigeria’s agricultural history.

“This programme will be a game changer. It is designed to attract private sector investment in agro-industrial processing, drive value addition, and enhance rural development.

“It will strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural ecosystem to respond favourably to the challenges of our time,” the minister said.

The SAPZ programme is being implemented with support from international development partners, including the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

The groundbreaking was witnessed by government dignitaries, stakeholders and partners who commended and pledged commitment to the project.

By Lucy Ogalue

Kano unveils environmental protection laws to combat pollution

Michael Simire
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0
Kano unveils environmental protection laws to combat pollution

The Kano State Government has unveiled new environmental protection laws designed to address the growing pollution challenges in the state.

Abba Yusuf
Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State

Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr Dahir Hashim, made this known shortly after presenting the new laws to the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Farouk-Ibrahim, who pledged full support for the initiative.

“These laws are aimed at tackling environmental pollution, particularly issues such as the discharge of harmful chemicals, indiscriminate waste disposal, open defecation on roads, and the release of contaminated water by factories, among others,” Hashim said.

The commissioner also said that the ministry would launch an eight-week public sensitisation campaign.

“The campaign will target individuals and sectors affected by the new laws to raise awareness on the importance of cleanliness and environmental care,” Hashim added.

He also noted that the laws would be published in both Hausa and English within the week to ensure the public access and understand them.

Hashim hoped that residents of Kano state would fully support government’s efforts to promote a cleaner and healthier environment.

By Muhammad Nur Tijani

Renaissance launches sabbatical programme for varsity dons, researchers

Michael Simire
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0
Renaissance launches sabbatical programme for varsity dons, researchers

Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited has welcomed 14 professors and 23 research students from various Nigerian universities for the Renaissance Joint Venture sabbatical and internship programmes.

Renaissance
Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, operator of the NNPC/Renaissance/TotalEnergies/NAOC Joint Venture has inducted 37 academia and Research Interns from several universities in Nigeria into its 2025-2026 Sabbatical & Research Internship Positions. Picture shows the indictees at Renaissance Headquarters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State…recently

“Providing practical industry experience opportunity for lecturers and research students is a sure way to strengthen teaching and research capability that will translate into building a pool of industry professionals that can drive Nigeria’s energy ambition beyond the 21st century,” said Renaissance’s General Manager, Relations and Sustainable Development, Igo Weli, at the induction ceremony held at the company headquarters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Monday, April 7, 2025.

According to Weli, the sabbatical participants would be deployed in different operational areas of the exploration and production business of Renaissance including biodiversity, petroleum engineering, social investment, community health and environmental impact assessment.

He described the sabbatical and research internship programmes as a mutually beneficial relationship since the programmes also offer Renaissance access to specialised expertise from professors and senior lecturers.

“It is an investment in the next generation of innovators, and we are excited that we are on this path of making invaluable contributions to Nigerian Content Development because we are here for the long-term,” he said.

Weli, who was represented at the induction by the company’s Manager, Social Investment and Social Performance, Emmanuel Anyim, noted that the company would continue to strengthen the relationship with the academia through its various intervention programmes which had resulted in the setting up of professorial chairs and centres of excellence in some universities particularly in the Niger Delta where the company has its operations.

“Our educational intervention programmes, including university scholarships, are a purposeful expression of our unwavering commitment to community development through the empowerment of youths to give them opportunity to excel in professional disciplines,” Weli added.

Also speaking at the induction, Renaissance Country Health Manager, Dr. Akinwunmi Fajola, said, “This programme reaffirms Renaissance’s position as the industry leader in fostering a positive learning environment and empowering talented Nigerian people.”

Dr. Fajola urged the sabbaticals “to imbibe Renaissance’s policy of making positive contributions and leaving lasting impact in the lives of its neighbours and communities where it operates.”

In March 2025, Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited completed its acquisition of the shares of SPDC and took over the SPDC Joint Venture operations to become the operator of the joint venture comprising the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Renaissance, TotalEnergies Limited and Agip Energy and Natural Resources Limited.

Lead poisoning: Govt orders illegal miners out of Zamfara

Michael Simire
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0
Lead poisoning: Govt orders illegal miners out of Zamfara

The Federal Government has ordered illegal miners to immediately vacate all mining sites in Zamfara State following the confirmation of an outbreak of lead poisoning in Bungudu Local Government Area.

Dele Alake
Dr Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, gave the warning in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, in Abuja.

Zamfara, known for its rich gold deposits, first recorded a major lead poisoning epidemic in 2010.

The outbreak was traced to artisanal gold mining activities, which led to environmental contamination and the poisoning of hundreds of residents, particularly children.

Alake said that all mining activities were still on hold until the release of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) that would guide the resumption of exploration in the state.

He expressed concern that the six-year mining ban in the state reversed in December 2024 should have prevented any cases of lead poisoning.

“The outbreak is an evidence that traditional and local institutions allowed illegal miners to operate in their areas in flagrant violation of the ban.

“Every citizen should obey the laws and regulations established by constituted authorities.

“Our revered traditional institutions and local authorities, which are funded from the federation accounts, have an even higher responsibility to enforce government directives.

“However, where they demonstrate wilful negligence and abdicate their responsibilities, they perpetrate a state of anomie with dire consequences, as we are witnessing in this case,” he said.

According to him, experts and ministry reports will recommend specific interventions to help the government prevent future calamities.

The minister, however, commended the Zamfara government for deploying emergency services to the affected area, and called for stronger collaboration between the state and the Ministry officials.

“We must work together to kick out illegal miners from all corners to protect the lives of innocent citizens endangered by the desperation of a few individuals to make money at all costs,” he said.

According to him, the ministry will soon release comprehensive SOP to guide the resumption of mining activities in Zamfara.

The procedures, he explained, would address cases of existing holders of mining licences and fresh applicants alongside compliance to community development agreements.

He added that other issues the SOP would address include the beneficiation and remediation efforts to overhaul the mining sector in the state.

Alake noted that the recent approval of the deployment of satellite technology to monitor mining sites nationwide will put an end to illegal mining and other sharp practices in the sector.

In 2017, an epidemic of lead poisoning resulted in the deaths of more than 300 under-five children in Yar-Galma village of Bukkuyum LGA of the state.

By Martha Agas

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