Nasarawa State: Enforces Under-18 Mining Ban, Forms Task Force

• Nasarawa State has prohibited all individuals under 18 years old from participating in any mining activities across its 13 local government areas.
• A specialized task force has been established to monitor and enforce this ban, targeting both illegal mining and child labor in mining communities.
• Violators, including companies, site operators, and parents, face arrest and prosecution in accordance with the Child Rights Law and mining regulations.
• The directive was issued by Commissioner Margaret Elayo, partly in response to recent fatalities of suspected illegal miners in Niger State.
• The state aims to sanitize the mining sector, protect child rights, and promote responsible, sustainable mining practices.

Any company, site operator, or parent found violating this directive will face arrest and prosecution under the provisions of the Nigeria Child Rights Law and existing mining regulations.

The Nasarawa State Government has officially prohibited all individuals under the age of 18 from engaging in any form of mining activity across its thirteen local government areas. This comprehensive ban aims to curb the pervasive issue of child labor within the state's mineral-rich regions.

To ensure strict adherence to this new policy and to combat illicit mining operations, a dedicated special monitoring and enforcement team has been established. The directive was formally announced by Margaret Elayo, the Commissioner for Environment, Solid Minerals and Mining, during a press conference held recently in Lafia, the state capital. This move signals a significant escalation in the state's efforts to regulate its mining sector and protect vulnerable populations.

The implementation of the **Nasarawa under-18 mining ban enforcement** was largely prompted by recent tragic incidents, including the reported deaths of several suspected illegal miners in Minna, Niger State. Commissioner Elayo underscored the government's resolve to no longer tolerate the involvement of young residents and others in dangerous, unauthorized mining activities, which not only jeopardize lives but also contribute to environmental degradation.

This initiative is a crucial component of a broader strategy to sanitize the mining sector, uphold child rights, and prevent the exploitation of minors at various mining sites. The Ministry has expressed significant concern over the documented use of underage children as laborers in artisanal mining operations across parts of the state. Specific reports indicate that children in areas like Wamba, Nasarawa-Eggon, and Kokona Local Government Areas are being exposed to severe health hazards and denied access to education due to their involvement in mining.

The new directive explicitly forbids any individual under 18 years old from being present at any mining site in Nasarawa State, whether as a laborer, an errand runner, or a food vendor. Any company, site operator, or parent found violating this directive will face arrest and prosecution under the provisions of the **Nigeria Child Rights Law mining** and existing mining regulations.

The newly constituted **Nasarawa State mining task force** is empowered to conduct thorough inspections of mining communities and sites throughout the state. Its mandate includes the apprehension of individuals or entities operating without the requisite licenses and governmental clearances, thereby strengthening **illegal mining enforcement Nasarawa**.

In line with the **Nasarawa child labour mining prohibition**, mining companies are strongly advised to employ only adults aged 18 and above. Furthermore, these companies are expected to provide comprehensive training and essential safety equipment to their adult workforce. Parents are also urged to actively discourage their children from participating in mining activities and to avoid such dangerous work themselves, given the associated health implications and risks.

The state government has committed to collaborating closely with security agencies, traditional rulers, and community leaders to ensure widespread adherence to the ban. Additionally, efforts are underway with the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and other relevant agencies to formalize artisanal miners into cooperatives, aiming for improved regulation and enhanced safety standards. This comprehensive approach is designed to foster responsible and sustainable mining practices without halting legitimate operations.

Nasarawa State is renowned for its substantial deposits of valuable solid minerals, including lithium, tin, and gold, which have historically attracted a considerable number of artisanal miners. The **Margaret Elayo mining directive** arrives on the heels of a tragic incident in neighboring Niger State, where thirty-seven suspected illegal miners died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

These individuals had been arrested during operations conducted on September 15 and 16 in M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto villages. The NSCDC Commandant in Niger State, Suberu Aniviye, subsequently issued a statement confirming these fatalities. This wider context underscores the severe dangers and regulatory complexities inherent in Nigeria's informal mining sector, lending urgency and gravity to Nasarawa's proactive measures.

Mining companies and site operators in Nasarawa State must immediately review their labour practices to ensure no individuals under 18 are engaged in any capacity, as a new task force will enforce the ban, leading to potential arrests and prosecution under the Child Rights Law and mining regulations. Lawyers should advise clients on compliance risks and the need for robust age verification and training for adult workers.

Source: Original reporting via The Punch