Kebbi Commissioner for Solid Minerals Development and Mining Alhaji Haliru Aliyu-Wasagu has refuted the news that the state government was backing illegal mining activities in the state.

Speaking in a press conference in Birnin Kebbi concerning the incident, Aliyu-Wasagu stated that the report was fake, malicious, and a calculated plan not only to tarnish the image of the current government but also to distract its attention from the developmental strides.

He said, “The briefing is to categorically disapprove a present news report published by www.truthng.com, which falsely alleges that the Kebbi Government is promoting unlawful mining activities in Libata in Ngaski Local Government Areas.”

The commissioner also noted that in September 2023, the state government took decisive action with a view to sanitizing the mining sector by stopping all mining activities all over the state due to the concerns about unlawful mining and related security problems.

He revealed that the strategy was also informed by many critical observations, including the lack of verifiable corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, community development agreement projects, and proper payments of royalties and taxes to federal and state governments, among others.

The commissioner, however, disclosed that the Kebbi state government had so far developed and cleared seven mining companies to operate within the Libata area.

He affirmed that accurate protocols were in place to ensure obedience with the laid-down rules and regulations, including registration with the state ministry of solid minerals development and mining.

Others, according to him, include getting an introduction letter from the ministry to be presented to the emir or district head concerned for signing of the consent letter to be forwarded to the mining cadastral office, Abuja, and applying for a license at the Ministry Cadastral Office, Abuja.

“The rule also insists on validation of licenses by the ministry through the Mining Cadastral Office (MCO) server, engaging host communities for compensation and designing Community Development Agreement (CDA) projects.