Bello Matawalle, Minister of State for Defence, says President Bola Tinubu has lifted the ban on mining in Zamfara to boost economic activities.

The minister disclosed this at a dinner session organised to host All Progressives Congress stakeholders in Zamfara in Gusau on Sunday.

Mr Matawalle said the rationale behind lifting the ban on mining was to attract both foreign and domestic investors in solid minerals “which is abundant in the state” and equally give opportunity to local businessmen to obtain licences and engage in the exploration.

The minister said the president had also made it a policy that companies should be established in the states where raw materials are based.

“By so doing, the indigenes of the states will have job opportunities and at the same time boost economic engagements, thereby improving their living standard,” he said.

Speaking on the Presidential Tax Reform, Mr Matawalle said it was designed to raise revenue for both federal and state governments by creating more economic advantages for citizens.

The minister reiterated the federal government’s commitment to constructing a dual carriage road from Illela LGA of Sokoto to Badagry in Lagos.

He said the road construction would open up so much economic potential for the northerners.

(NAN)