The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has cautioned state governments about shutting down mining operations, emphasizing that they do not possess the constitutional power to undertake such actions.
Alake emphasized that mining activities are solely under the jurisdiction of the Federal Government, and that no state has the power to intervene in any mining operations.
The ministers made their remarks in reaction to the recent statements made by state governors in Gombe and Kogi, as well as the closure of Segilola Mining Company by the Osun State Government due to issues related to taxation and operational concerns.
He said, “State governments’ ban on mining activities across the country is a point that is really sore and it is a constitution matter.
“I want to use this opportunity to tell the entire Nigerian public that no state and I repeat no state, has the authority to interfere in mining operations. No state government has that authority. It is a no-brainer and is a constitutional matter. Mining belongs exclusively in the purview of the Federal Government.
“According to the Constitution, it is in the exclusive legislative list and not in the residual or concurrent. It is in the exclusive legislative list and every item on this list belongs to the Federal Government.”
“Indiscriminate closures of mining operations by subnationals raise the risk of discouraging foreign direct investments and even worse, possible divestment by existing companies.
“Mining is on the exclusive legislative list. The Ministry of Solid Minerals should be consulted before such disruptive actions are taken.”
OBSERVERSTIMES recalled how Kogi State Government, on Wednesday, suspended all mining activities in the state due to an influx of bandits and negative elements in the mining-related activities.
According to the state Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Bashiru Gegu, the decision to suspend mining activities was reached at the State Executive Council meeting presided over by the Governor, Usman Ododo.
In an interview with newsmen after the meeting, Gegu said the state Ministry of Solid Minerals and Natural Resources will start the profiling of legal mining companies in the state.
He said, “This is to enable the state to have genuine mining data. A total clean-up of the sector will go a long way in minimising or eradicating criminalities in totality.