Table of Contents
- Mining Activities Suspension
- Communiqué Details
- Security Concerns
- Support for President Tinubu
- Creation of State Police
- Concerns About Illegal Mining
- Security Trust Fund
- Call for Unity
Northern governors and traditional rulers have decided to halt all mining operations in the region for six months, citing that illegal mining has become a significant source of insecurity.
This decision was included in a communiqué released after a joint meeting of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) and the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council (NTRC) held in Kaduna.
The meeting, chaired by Governor Muhammadu Yahaya of Gombe, was attended by all 19 northern governors and leaders from the traditional councils.
The communiqué indicated that the North is experiencing increasing insecurity, which includes killings and abductions in Kebbi, Kwara, Kogi, Niger, Sokoto, Jigawa, and Kano states, as well as renewed Boko Haram attacks in Borno and Yobe.
“The Forum extends its heartfelt condolences and solidarity to the governments and citizens of the affected states,” it stated.
It further noted that the assaults on schoolchildren and other residents were “unacceptable tragedies” that require immediate action.
The governors commended President Bola Tinubu for what they referred to as the Federal Government’s decisive response to kidnappings and insurgency threats, particularly the rescue of some abducted students. They also praised security agencies for their efforts.
“We have resolved to reaffirm our support for every action taken by the President and Commander-in-Chief to confront the insurgents’ strongholds in order to eradicate criminality,” the governors declared.
A significant outcome from the meeting was the renewed support for the establishment of state police. They argued that decentralized policing is essential for enhancing security.
“The Forum reaffirms its full support and commitment to the creation of state police,” the communiqué stated, urging federal and state lawmakers from the North to act promptly.
Regarding illegal mining, the governors pointed out that it has become a primary driver of insecurity as criminal organizations exploit it for financial gain.
“The Forum noted that illegal mining has emerged as a major contributing factor to the security crises in Northern Nigeria,” the communiqué asserted. “We strongly advocate for a suspension of mining exploration for six months to facilitate a thorough audit and to combat the issue of artisanal illegal mining.”
To enhance regional security, the Forum also introduced plans for a Security Trust Fund. Under this initiative, each state and its local governments will contribute N1 billion monthly, deducted at the source.
This fund will support joint operations, intelligence gathering, and coordinated security responses throughout the region.
The meeting concluded with a call for unity among northern leaders. “Only through unity, peer review, and collaboration can we tackle the urgent challenges ahead of us,” the communiqué emphasized.
The Forum will reconvene on a date to be announced later.
Why was mining suspended in Northern Nigeria?
Mining was suspended for six months due to concerns that illegal mining has become a significant source of insecurity in the region.
What are the security issues facing Northern Nigeria?
Northern Nigeria is facing rising insecurity, including killings and abductions, as well as new Boko Haram attacks in several states.
What is the Security Trust Fund?
The Security Trust Fund is a proposed initiative where each state and its local governments will contribute monthly to support joint operations and coordinated security efforts across the region.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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