The Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN), representing miners within the solid minerals sector, has urgently called upon President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the recurrent issue of state-level mining bans.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
In a conversation with Vanguard, ‘Dele Ayanleke, the National President of MAN, highlighted the escalating concern surrounding mining operations in various states.
Ayanleke emphasized that these bans are causing significant disruption to the solid minerals sector, where mining activities play a pivotal role in the economy….CONTINUE READING
He lamented recent instances where miners have been arrested, imprisoned, and subjected to bans due to issues that are unrelated to their operations and often falsely connected to security challenges.
According to Ayanleke, these prohibitions on mining activities are not only adversely affecting the sector but also impinging on the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, particularly in terms of the Exclusive Legislative List.
He urged the government, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to exercise robust political will through the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development to restrain state governments from overstepping their legal boundaries in mining regulations.
Ayanleke also stressed the need to enhance the capabilities of the Mines Inspectorate Department within the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development.
He noted that this strengthening should facilitate effective enforcement of mining laws and prevent state governments from taking unilateral actions.
Additionally, he advocated for the establishment of empowered Mines Surveillance Teams to address issues related to insecurity within the sector.
These teams, ideally supported by state governments, would contribute to resolving security concerns surrounding mining activities.
In light of the critical role of mining in the economy, MAN’s call to action underscores the urgency of preserving the stability and growth potential of the solid minerals sector.
