The Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN) has stated that banning mining activities is not the solution to the country’s security challenges.
The association made this known in a statement jointly signed by its National President, Dele Ayankale, and National Secretary, Sulaiman Liman, on Monday in Abuja.
The statement comes after the Northern States Governors’ Forum recently proposed a six-month suspension of mining operations, citing the abduction of schoolchildren and violent attacks in some states. The governors had argued that illegal mining contributes to insecurity and suggested the pause would allow for a comprehensive audit and revalidation of all mining licenses in consultation with state governments.
MAN, however, emphasized that only illegal mining, not legitimate operations, has been linked to terrorism and other security threats. Ayankale warned that a blanket ban would unfairly penalize legal miners while leaving illegal miners unchecked.
He cited the 2019 mining ban in Zamfara State as an example, noting that the measure failed to improve security. Instead, banditry, kidnappings, and terrorist activities escalated in Zamfara and spread to neighboring states such as Katsina, Kaduna, Niger, and Kebbi.
“It is illegal, unregulated mining—conducted without licenses and government oversight—that fuels insecurity and money laundering. Legal mining should not be stigmatised as the source of these problems,” Ayankale said.
He added that a ban would harm legitimate miners and their employees, leading to widespread job losses, increased poverty, and further insecurity. Meanwhile, illegal operators would continue to exploit mineral resources, using proceeds to fund criminal activities.
Ayankale also warned that halting mining activities could undermine the federal government’s efforts to attract investment to the solid minerals sector, which has been a focus of initiatives aimed at easing bottlenecks and boosting global visibility.
He highlighted that MAN members cooperate with security agencies, adhere to standard operational procedures, and engage in environmentally responsible mining. Through the Community Development Agreement, legal miners contribute significantly to rural infrastructure and economic development.
“Calls for a mining ban at a time when Nigeria is beginning to attract investments are not only unfortunate but unpatriotic,” Ayankale said. He suggested that governors allocate part of their security votes or create special funds to strengthen enforcement by Mining Marshals and other legal initiatives against illegal mining.
He further criticized the proposal to revalidate mining licenses, arguing that it resembles resource control agitation and conflicts with the Constitution, which vests mineral resource management on the Exclusive Legislative List.
Ayankale concluded by urging the President to consider that a mining ban could inadvertently increase recruitment for terrorist activities.
