The Nasarawa State Government has banned anyone below the age of 18 from participating in mining activities across the state and established a special task force to enforce the directive.
The Commissioner for Environment, Solid Minerals and Mining, Margaret Elayo, announced the measures on Friday during a press conference in Lafia, the state capital.
Elayo said the decision was prompted by concerns over the dangers faced by children working at mining sites, as well as the need to tackle illegal mining and child labour across the state.
She disclosed that the newly established monitoring and enforcement team had been authorised to inspect mining communities and sites and arrest individuals or companies operating without the required licences and government approvals.
According to the commissioner, reports indicated that children were being used as labourers at some artisanal mining sites, particularly in Wamba, Nasarawa-Eggon and Kokona Local Government Areas.
She said some of the affected children were being exposed to health risks while also being deprived of access to education.
Violators Face Prosecution
Elayo warned that companies, mining-site operators and parents who violate the directive would face arrest and prosecution under the relevant Child Rights Law and mining regulations.
She said no child below 18 would be permitted at a mining site, whether as a labourer, errand runner or food vendor.
The commissioner advised mining operators to employ only adults aged 18 and above and ensure they receive appropriate training and safety equipment.
She also urged parents to prevent their children from entering mining sites, warning of the potential health and safety consequences.
Government to Work With Security Agencies
Elayo said the state government would collaborate with security agencies, traditional rulers and community leaders to ensure compliance with the ban.
She added that discussions were ongoing with the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and other relevant agencies to organise artisanal miners into cooperatives, with the aim of improving regulation and safety within the sector.
The commissioner stressed that the directive was not intended to stop legitimate mining activities in Nasarawa but to ensure that mining is conducted responsibly and sustainably.
Nasarawa is rich in solid minerals, including lithium, tin and gold, which have attracted significant artisanal mining activity.
The announcement comes amid renewed scrutiny of mining activities following the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in NSCDC custody in Niger State. Authorities have launched investigations into the circumstances surrounding those deaths.
