Nasarawa prohibits under-18s from mining, launches enforcement team

The Nasarawa State Government has banned children under 18 from mining activities statewide and established a task force to combat illegal mining and child labour.

According to PUNCH, Commissioner for Environment, Solid Minerals and Mining Margaret Elayo announced the directive in Lafia, saying it followed reported deaths of suspected illegal miners in neighbouring Niger State.

Elayo said the enforcement team would inspect mining communities and arrest operators working without required licences or government clearance.

She warned that companies, site operators or parents violating the directive would face prosecution under child rights and mining laws.

The commissioner said children had been exposed to health hazards at mining sites in Wamba, Nasarawa-Eggon and Kokona, while some were being denied access to education.