We want Federal Government to stop states from prohibiting mining activities — MAN

The Miners Association of Nigeria, or MAN, urged the federal government Tuesday to prevent states from outlawing mining activity.

The national president of MAN, ‘Dele Ayanleke, claimed that the Nigerian constitution never gave states the authority to impose mining bans within their borders.
He claimed that only the mining industry was subject to state regulation under the constitution.

In response to the recent wave of state government bans on illegal miners and the arrest of some miners who are members of the association, Ayanleke said: “Our positions remain constant: Miners Association of Nigeria is categorically opposed to any form of illegality in the sector, whether in the regulatory or operational wing of the sector.

Our motto, “The Watchdog of The Mining Industry,” and our membership admittance policy, which excludes unauthorised operators, are powerful evidence of this claim. Do you need to outlaw crime or take preventative measures to stop it?

“When armed robbers enter your home, should you issue a ban or form a committee to enforce a prohibition? Who, besides the mother, in the home, can judge which of the family’s children is a bastard and which is a real child?

“How can a state government that doesn’t issue mining permits know who is mining legally and who is mining illegally?

Read Also: President Tinubu Approves Appointment of 18 Aides in Vice President’s Office

Where is the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development’s participation in all of this nonsense, along with its agencies that grant licences and oversee the industry?

What happens to the Nigerian Constitution, which all of our political offices, both elected and appointed, have taken an oath to uphold and defend?As the primary regulator/administrator of this issue, our Minister and the entire Ministry of Solid Minerals Development can no longer afford to keep quiet about it. It is slowly growing into a giant.