IBADAN, NIGERIA — Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has called for the devolution of mining responsibilities to states, arguing that state governments are better positioned to regulate mining activities and prevent tragedies like the death of 37 suspected artisanal miners in Niger State.
Makinde made the call on Tuesday in Ibadan while reacting to the deaths of the miners, who reportedly died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps following a crackdown on illegal mining activities in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State. The incident has sparked national outrage and renewed calls for reforms in the mining sector.
The governor said the current arrangement, where mining is controlled exclusively by the Federal Government, has failed to address the challenges of illegal mining, environmental degradation, and the safety of miners. He argued that states, which are closer to the people and understand the local dynamics, should be given a greater role in the regulation and management of mining activities.
“Mining is currently on the exclusive legislative list, and the Federal Government controls everything. But the reality is that the states are the ones dealing with the consequences of illegal mining every day. We are the ones managing the environmental degradation, the security challenges, and the social issues that arise from mining activities,” Makinde stated.
He noted that the tragic deaths in Niger State could have been prevented if the state government had been more involved in the regulation of mining activities. He said states should be given the authority to license and regulate artisanal mining, while the Federal Government focuses on large-scale mining operations.
“If states are given control of mining, we will do better. We understand the local terrain, we know the communities, and we can work with traditional rulers and community leaders to ensure that mining is done responsibly. The current system is not working, and we need to change it,” Makinde said.
The governor also called for a thorough investigation into the deaths of the miners, urging the Federal Government to ensure that those responsible are held accountable. He expressed condolences to the families of the victims and urged the government to provide support to the affected communities.
“This is a tragic incident, and our hearts go out to the families of the deceased. We must ensure that this does not happen again. The Federal Government must investigate this incident thoroughly and bring those responsible to justice,” he said.
Makinde’s call for devolution of mining responsibilities is not new. In recent years, several governors and political leaders have called for the review of the exclusive legislative list to allow states to play a greater role in the management of natural resources. The debate has been particularly intense in states with significant mineral deposits, where illegal mining has caused environmental damage and led to loss of lives.
The Oyo State governor also reiterated his commitment to the development of the mining sector in his state, noting that his administration had taken steps to formalise artisanal mining and to ensure that it contributes to the state’s economy.
“We are working to organise artisanal miners in Oyo State, to provide them with training and equipment, and to ensure that they operate within the law. We believe that mining can be a source of wealth for our people if it is properly regulated,” he said.
As the debate over the devolution of mining responsibilities continues, stakeholders are calling for urgent reforms to prevent further tragedies. For Makinde, the solution lies in giving states more control over their resources and ensuring that mining is done in a responsible and sustainable manner. For now, the families of the 37 miners are mourning their loved ones, and the nation awaits the outcome of the investigation into their deaths.
