Key Points

• Bayelsa bans all illegal mining and voids MoUs signed without state approval.

• Government warns community leaders and orders immediate suspension of unapproved mining.

• Officials cite security risks, environmental damage and revenue loss.

The Bayelsa State Government has banned all unauthorised mining of mineral resources across the eight local government areas.

The directive targets the ongoing extraction of silicon, commonly called black sand, in coastal communities.

Governor Douye Diri issued the order on Monday during a town hall meeting with traditional leaders, senior officials and stakeholders from Southern Ijaw, Brass and Ekeremor. His deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, represented him at the gathering in Yenagoa.

MoUs Without Government Review Declared Invalid

Diri warned that some communities had entered memoranda of understanding with miners operating without approval. He described those agreements as illegal and announced they would no longer stand.

He directed the immediate suspension of all mining activities not cleared by the government. He also placed an embargo on new MoUs between communities and mining firms, whether local or foreign.

Diri noted that his administration welcomes investors, but any mining operation that threatens public safety or harms the environment will not continue.

Security, Revenue Loss and Environmental Risks Raised

The governor said illegal mining violates environmental impact laws and deprives the state of needed revenue.

He also linked unregulated mining to worsening insecurity in other parts of Nigeria and stated that Bayelsa will not allow a similar pattern to grow.

He warned that community leaders who ignore the order risk arrest and prosecution under state laws.

Environment Ministry Reaffirms Legal Procedures

Commissioner for Environment Ebi Ben-Ololo emphasised that an existing state law regulates mineral extraction. He urged communities to follow the approval process before allowing miners into their land.

Traditional rulers and community development leaders from Foropa, Die-ama and Odioma welcomed the intervention. They pledged that their communities will support the state’s effort to control mining activities and protect coastal areas.