Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, clarified the government’s stance during a recent interview in Abuja. Represented by his media aide, Segun Tomori, Alake emphasized that a blanket ban would disrupt critical industrial facilities dependent on northern mining outputs. These include lithium plants in Nasarawa and Abuja’s outskirts, an iron processing plant in Kaduna, and the Ajaokuta cement factory in Kogi, which relies on limestone.
The minister revealed ongoing high-level consultations with northern governors, including Nasarawa’s Governor Abdullahi Sule, who met with him in January. While acknowledging security challenges, the government insists that legal mining must not be penalized for crimes tied to illegal operators.
To combat banditry, the Federal Government is deploying a multi-agency security operation coordinated by the National Security Adviser’s office, focusing on hotspots in the North-West, North-East, and North-Central. Satellite surveillance is also being fast-tracked to monitor mining sites, complemented by collaborations with international partners like the U.S. military.
The northern governors’ initial demand for a suspension followed escalating attacks, including school abductions in Kebbi and Niger states in late 2025. They argued that illegal mining funds criminal networks, urging a sector-wide audit. Alake confirmed such an audit is underway but withheld details pending finalization.
While Bauchi State has suspended mining in insecure areas like Alkaleri LGA, other states like Jigawa and Kwara await federal directives. Jigawa’s government, though unaffected by mining-related violence, supports regional security efforts, including a proposed N1 billion monthly trust fund by northern governors. However, contributions remain uncertain.
Critics warn that delays in implementing these measures risk leaving rural mining communities vulnerable. In Kwara, activists highlight unregulated mining’s threat to agriculture and food security, urging stricter oversight.
The government’s refusal to halt mining reflects its economic diversification strategy, with solid minerals like lithium and gold poised to boost jobs and exports. The standoff underscores the delicate balance between curbing insecurity and preserving livelihoods, as authorities strive to isolate criminal elements without crippling an industry vital to regional development.
Meanwhile, confusion lingers over the status of the northern governors’ proposals, with calls for clearer timelines on the security trust fund and mining audits to prevent further exploitation by armed groups.
