Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda has taken measures to check all mining sites within the state.

The initiative comes as part of the government’s commitment to investigating whether mining operators possess the necessary licenses for extracting deposits.

A statement by Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, said the move was also to ensure responsible and legal mining practices.

Speaking during a visit to a mining site in Sabaru village, Charanci local government, Governor Radda emphasized that the state government, as the custodian of the land, holds the responsibility to grant permission to miners. The primary objective of this initiative is to generate more revenue for the state through regulated mining activities.

Governor Radda expressed concern over illegal mining practices, stating that many miners are tapping into resources without adhering to the established procedures. He stressed that his administration places a high priority on citizens’ safety and aims to ensure that mining sites do not harbor criminals, a lesson learned from the neighboring state of Zamfara.

Additionally, Governor Radda inaugurated the committee on illegal mining which is composed of professionals and relevant stakeholders. They will identify and address illegal mining activities in the state.

The committee is chaired by the state deputy governor, Alhaji Faruq Lawal Jobe, and consists of representatives from various agencies, including the police, DSS, NSCDC, and the Emirate councils of Katsina and Daura, among others.

Governor Radda urged the committee members to diligently conduct their investigations and submit their reports within the specified time frames. He emphasized that all mining activities in the state are suspended until the investigations are completed, as ordered by the Court. The state aims to learn from past experiences in Zamfara, where illegal mining activities led to security challenges and criminal activities.

The committee has been entrusted with critical tasks, including compiling an up-to-date list of registered miners, reviewing mining activities.

Deputy Governor, Alhaji Faruq Lawal Jobe, chairman of the committee, expressed his gratitude to Governor Radda for the opportunity to serve the state. He assured the governor that the committee would diligently carry out its duties in accordance with the terms of reference.

“With these proactive measures, Katsina State demonstrates its commitment to promoting responsible mining practices and safeguarding the welfare of its citizens.

“Similarly, the Governor also inaugurated a committee which consists of stakeholders to expedite the completion of the Danja Dam project.
The committee, which is led by Engineer Abdullahi Ibrahim Mai-Maje, is tasked with investigating the factors that have hindered the project’s smooth completion and identifying components of the contract that may have caused variations. Additionally, the committee will invite the contractor, the consultant, and the state monitoring committee from the water resources ministry to contribute to the investigations.

“The committee members expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to serve the state and pledged to fulfill their responsibilities in accordance with the given terms of reference.

“Governor Radda has mandated the committees to deliver thorough reports that will guide the state government in making informed decisions for sustainable development and progress. The government remains committed to fostering growth, transparency, and security in Katsina State,” the statement said.