Governor Caleb Mutfwang has vowed to end the exploitation of children in Plateau State’s mining sector, warning that any underage child found at a mining site will be arrested along with their parent or guardian.
Addressing journalists in Jos on Friday, he said the government could no longer watch young people abandon their education and fall into drug abuse, prostitution, and dangerous labour under the guise of artisanal mining.
“It is particularly heartbreaking to observe how many of our young people have abandoned their education to engage in artisanal mining,” Mutfwang said.
“This unfortunate trend has exposed them to exploitation, drug abuse, prostitution, and life-threatening health risks. As a responsible and compassionate government, we could not fold our arms and watch this continue.”
He emphasized that the state government’s temporary ban on mining, declared under Executive Order 001 of 2025, was part of a broader mission to reform the sector and protect the dignity and future of its citizens—especially the youth.
“Any Buying Center found purchasing minerals from unauthorized sources, particularly from underage miners, will face immediate arrest and prosecution,” he warned.
“We call on all parents and guardians to take full responsibility for their children. Any underage child found at a mining site, instead of being in school, will be arrested along with their parent or guardian and sanctioned accordingly.”
Mutfwang described the five-month suspension of mining as a necessary step to allow the state reorient the sector towards sustainability, legality, and community benefit.
He said a Technical Committee had been inaugurated to develop a new regulatory framework in line with federal mining laws.
As part of its mandate, the Committee has now cleared 159 mining operators to resume activities.
He reiterated that the suspension remains in force for all others and cautioned that enforcement would be strict.
“Let me sound a clear warning: any operator or individual who has not been cleared by the Committee must stay away from all mining sites. The suspension remains fully in effect for all non-compliant operators,” the governor said.
In addition to regulatory reforms, Mutfwang revealed that the state will begin formalizing artisanal miners into cooperatives and will launch a Gemstone Skills Acquisition Centre.
The initiative, sponsored by the Plateau State Government, is aimed at training young people in safer and more sustainable mining techniques.
“This initiative will train and empower our teeming youths, particularly our indigenous population, with the skills and necessary support needed to thrive in a modern mining sector,” he said. “We must move away from a system that robs young people of their future in the name of survival.“
He expressed gratitude to security agencies for helping enforce the order but urged them to act within the limits of the law.
He also thanked residents for their support and understanding, describing their cooperation as vital to the success of the state’s mining reforms.
“Together, we are laying a strong foundation to put an end to illegal, exploitative, and dangerous mining practices that have long plagued our land and contributed to insecurity,” Mutfwang said.
