Precious Anga
Lagos — Concerns are growing within Nigeria’s mining sector over policy uncertainty in Taraba State following the recent suspension of mining activities, with stakeholders warning that inconsistent regulations could undermine investment, exploration and long-term development of the state’s vast mineral resources.
One of the companies operating in the state, Elipse International Ltd, said the announcement has created confusion among operators, particularly because Executive Order No. 5, signed by Governor Agbu Kefas in August 2023, was never publicly declared revoked. According to the company, many stakeholders still regard the order as being in force, raising questions about the practical implications of the latest suspension directive.
Industry players stressed that mining thrives on regulatory certainty, policy consistency and investor confidence. They argued that investors, financial institutions, contractors, service providers and host communities require a stable operating environment to commit long-term capital to mineral development projects. Repeated restrictions and policy shifts, they warned, could discourage investment and slow the growth of the sector.
Stakeholders noted that mining remains one of Nigeria’s most viable opportunities for economic diversification, job creation, foreign exchange earnings and rural development. They argued that successful mining jurisdictions across the world have demonstrated that properly regulated mining activities can stimulate local economies, improve infrastructure, boost government revenues and reduce insecurity by creating legitimate employment opportunities.
Rather than prolonged suspensions, industry operators advocated stronger regulatory oversight, improved environmental compliance, community participation and a more aggressive crackdown on illegal mining. They maintained that legitimate operators should not bear the consequences of activities carried out by unlicensed miners.
The stakeholders also highlighted ongoing reforms by the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development under the leadership of Minister Dele Alake, noting that efforts to reposition Nigeria’s mining industry have attracted growing interest from international investors, development finance institutions and global mining companies seeking opportunities in the country.
Taraba State is believed to possess significant deposits of strategic minerals, including lithium, graphite, gold, tin and other critical minerals essential to global energy transition and industrial development. Industry participants argued that unlocking these resources could transform local communities and contribute substantially to both state and national economic growth.
They further emphasised the critical role played by local prospectors, scouts and indigenous entrepreneurs in identifying mineral deposits across the country. According to them, many of Nigeria’s known mineral occurrences were first discovered through grassroots exploration efforts before attracting larger investments and government attention. Policies that discourage exploration activities, they warned, could reduce future discoveries and limit the sector’s growth potential.
Stakeholders therefore called on the Taraba State Government to engage constructively with operators, regulators and host communities to develop a framework that balances oversight with investment promotion. They argued that stable policies, effective regulation, protection of legitimate mineral title holders and stronger collaboration with federal mining agencies would enable Taraba to realise the full value of its mineral resources. According to them, the future of mining in the state should be driven by partnership, compliance, exploration and sustainable development rather than uncertainty.
